Belcourt, ND, Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Child

Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that Cole Jeanotte age 41, formerly from Belcourt, ND, appeared in federal court on April 17, 2025, before District Court Judge Peter Welte and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the offenses of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age.  In addition, Judge Welte ordered Jeanotte to pay $100 in special assessment fees.

As reflected in court documents, Jane Doe disclosed to her mother in May 2020 that Jeanotte had sexually abused her.  Jane Doe reported that Jeanotte began sexually abusing her in 2012 continuing until 2013 when Jane Doe was approximately 7 years of age.  Following the incidents, Jeanotte threatened to hurt Jane Doe’s mother if Jane Doe told her mother about him sexually abusing her.  

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those who sexually abuse children, regardless of when the disclosure is made,” Puhl said.  “This sentence reflects the egregious nature of Jeanotte’s conduct, and it will ensure the protection of other children.”

“Jeanotte committed a heinous crime against a defenseless child, and today’s sentence reflect the gravity of that offense,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society — especially children — is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our partners to bring predators to justice and protect children from harm.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota. 

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