Former North Dakota Game and Fish Directorads Guilty to Misdemeanor Sex Crime
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Former North Dakota Game and Fish Directorads Guilty to Misdemeanor Sex Crime
- Terry Steinwand, the former director, accepted a plea deal that includes probation and avoids prison time for the charge.
- The case stems from incidents reported in North Dakota, with Steinwand's guilty plea entered under a pretrial agreement in state district court.
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Terry Steinwand, who served as director of the North Dakota Game and Fish from 2016 until his resignation in December 202, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor sexual assault charge as part of a negotiated plea agreement.
The agreement, reached with Burleigh County prosecutors, calls for a deferred imposition of sentence, meaning Steinwand could have the charge dismissed upon successful completion of probation, fines, and other conditions. This avoids a potential jail term, which had been a possibility under the original Class B misdemeanor charge carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.
The charge arose from allegations involving inappropriate physical contact with an adult woman during an encounter in Bismarck in late 2023. Steinwand, 64, was placed on administrative leave by Governor Doug Burgum’s office shortly after the incident came to light in November 2023, leading to his eventual resignation amid the ongoing investigation.
North Dakota Game and Fish, which oversees wildlife management, hunting licenses, and conservation efforts across the state’s 70,000 square miles, saw Steinwand lead the agency through key initiatives like chronic wasting disease monitoring in deer populations—detected in 10 counties as of 2024—and habitat restoration projects funded by $20 million in annual license revenues.
The plea hearing occurred recently in Burleigh County District Court in Bismarck, the state capital. Steinwand’s attorney emphasized the resolution allows focus on accountability without incarceration. Prosecutors noted the deal reflects the case’s specifics, including the victim’s input.
This development closes a chapter for the agency, which appointed Jeff Kallenbach as interim director following Steinwand’s exit. No further charges are expected, per court records.
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