Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl disclosed that Austin Ray Lester, 29, from Tokio, North Dakota, pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to charges of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of child neglect, and assault of a child with a dangerous weapon. The case was heard before Chief Judge Peter Welte at the United States District Court. Lester's sentencing is set for August 5, 2025.
The charges stem from an incident in August 2022, involving the neglect and death of a three-year-old within the Spirit Lake Reservation. A co-defendant, Krissy Louise Hinsley, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect and is anticipated to have a plea and sentencing hearing on July 28, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy.