Fargo Man Sentenced To 12 Years For Grooming Teen For Sex
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A 52-year-old Fargo man accused of grooming a teenage girl for a sexual relationship by gaining the trust of her family has been sentenced to a dozen years in prison.
J. Erin Rourke outfitted a bedroom for the girl and made an agreement with the mother, who worked nights, to have the girl stay at his house, Assistant Cass County State's Attorney Ryan Younggren said.
"He had actually drafted up a contract that she would spend a set number of nights a week at his house," the prosecutor said, adding that "as kind and generous as he'd been to the family, it was very unsuspecting."
Authorities alleged the molestation continued for more than a year, according to KVRR-TV. The girl testified during Monday's sentencing hearing that she has trouble focusing and is terrified of people.
Rourke maintains his innocence and says he will appeal his May conviction on a felony gross sexual imposition charge, according to KFGO radio. Jurors found him not guilty of another charge, corrupting or soliciting a minor.
Defense attorney Joel Arnason on Thursday asked that his client be given probation, while Younggren sought a 10-year prison sentence. The victim asked for the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Judge Wade Webb settled on 12 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation, saying Rourke's conduct was an abuse of trust. He gave Rourke credit for 104 days already spent behind bars and ordered him to pay $1,025 in fees.
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