Fort Berthold Reservation man convicted of sex trafficking

Wednesday, April 11, 2012  

A man from the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota was convicted in federal court on sex trafficking and other charges.

Dustin J. Morsette, 22, coerced young women and girls to join a gang he called the Black Disciples. He forced five female victims, including three minors, to perform sex acts with him, federal authorities said.

Following a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted Morsette of one count of sex trafficking by force or coercion, three counts of aggravated sexual abuse by force, five counts of sexual abuse of a minor, two counts of sexual abuse, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute marijuana, three counts of employment or use of a person under 18 years of age in drug operations, and one count of tampering with a witness.

Morsette, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, will be sentenced on July 30.

Get the Story:
Press Release: New Town man convicted by federal jury of trafficking, sexual abuse, other charges (US Attorney 4/11)
N.D. man convicted on sex, drug trafficking charges (AP 4/11)