Lakota Man Faces 3 Felony Child Sex Charges
LAKOTA, ND (northwestmnnow.com) – A Lakota man faces three serious felony charges following an investigation involving a 13-year-old girl.
Troy Estvold, 45, was arrested Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following an investigation by state and county authorities.
Estvold faces three counts of gross sexual imposition involving a child under 15 years old.
Each charge is classified as a Class AA felony under North Dakota law.
The allegations are detailed in a declaration of probable cause filed in Nelson County District Court.
Investigation Began With Digital Evidence
According to court documents, investigators reviewed digital evidence involving communications between Estvold and the teenage girl.
The communications reportedly began in early August 2026.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation worked together on the case.
Investigators interviewed the girl, several family members, and Estvold during their investigation.
The court filing describes information gathered from those interviews and the digital evidence.
Authorities used that information to investigate allegations of sexual contact involving the minor.
Teenager Describes Alleged Incident
During an interview, the girl told investigators she and Estvold had consumed alcohol together.
She also reported that a sexual encounter occurred at a residence, according to the probable cause declaration.
The filing does not publicly identify the girl in the information provided.
Her identity is being withheld because she is a minor and the alleged victim of a sexual offense.
Investigators also interviewed Estvold separately about the allegations.
Suspect Interviewed Before Arrest
According to the court filing, investigators advised Estvold of his Miranda rights before questioning him.
Estvold agreed to speak with investigators about the allegations.
The declaration states that Estvold initially denied wrongdoing during the interview.
Investigators reported that he later acknowledged sexual contact had occurred.
Following the interviews, authorities arrested Estvold on October 13.
He was transported to a correctional facility in Devils Lake for booking.
Three Class AA Felony Charges Filed
Estvold is charged with three counts of gross sexual imposition involving a victim younger than 15.
Class AA felonies are among the most serious criminal offenses under North Dakota law.
A Class AA felony can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
However, possible penalties depend on the charge, applicable sentencing laws, and the court’s final decision.
Readers can review North Dakota’s sexual offense laws through the North Dakota Legislative Branch.
Estvold Held at Lake Region Corrections Center
According to the supplied custody information, Estvold was being held at the Lake Region Corrections Center.
The available report does not include a bond amount or a scheduled court hearing date.
Additional information may become available as the case proceeds through Nelson County District Court.
Public court records can be accessed through the North Dakota Court System.
The three felony charges remain allegations and are not findings of guilt.
Estvold is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Northwest MN Now News will continue reporting verified developments in the case.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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