Fargo Teen Abuse Case: Change-of-Plea Hearing Set
FARGO, N.D. (northwestmnnow.com) — An Abercrombie man facing charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a teenager has a new court hearing scheduled.
Jarae Jarrod Harles, 21, is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing November 13, 2026, at 1 p.m.
The hearing follows a Fargo police investigation involving allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of a 14-year-old girl.
Court records describe the upcoming hearing as part of a “global resolution.”
Harles previously pleaded not guilty to all charges during a February preliminary hearing.
Five Criminal Charges Filed Against Harles
Harles faces five charges connected to the investigation.
- Gross sexual imposition involving a victim younger than 15.
- Use of a minor in a sexual performance.
- Promoting a sexual performance by a minor.
- Possession of certain prohibited materials.
- Harboring a runaway minor.
Prosecutors filed the charges in December 2025 following an investigation by the Fargo Police Department.
The allegations remain unresolved, and a change-of-plea hearing does not establish guilt.
Bond Violation Leads to $50,000 Bail
Court records indicate Harles violated conditions of his release in September.
He was required to participate in drug monitoring through North Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety Program.
According to court documents, a drug-testing patch worn from September 9 through September 23 tested positive for fentanyl and THC.
Another patch from late August was never submitted for testing, court records state.
Authorities returned Harles to custody following the reported violations.
A judge subsequently reset his bail at $50,000.
As of the October 7 court reporting, Harles remained in the Cass County Jail.
Investigation Began After Teen’s Drug Overdose
The investigation began following an April 2025 drug overdose involving the teenager, who survived.
During a later review of her cellphone, investigators discovered a photograph they believed was relevant to the case.
Police interviewed Harles in August 2025.
According to court documents, Harles acknowledged knowing the girl but claimed he did not know her actual age.
He also denied having a sexual relationship with her.
Investigators reported finding Harles and the teenager together on several occasions while she was considered a runaway.
Phone Evidence Leads to Additional Allegations
In October 2025, investigators conducted a forensic examination of Harles’ cellphone.
Court documents say the examination uncovered chat messages, approximately 10 videos, and a photograph.
Investigators identified the materials as alleged child sexual abuse material involving Harles and the teenager.
The findings became part of the evidence supporting the charges filed in December.
Authorities have not publicly identified the teenager to protect her privacy.
November 13 Hearing Scheduled in Cass County
The next hearing is scheduled for November 13 at 1 p.m. in Cass County District Court.
The hearing could address the resolution referenced in court documents. No completed plea agreement was confirmed in the available reporting.
Readers can review publicly available case information through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry.
Additional information is available through the Cass County District Court and Fargo Police Department.
All charges are allegations. Harles remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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