By: Bobby Falat
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Prosecutors are asking a judge to dismiss a charge of gross sexual imposition against a former West Fargo swim coach, citing the victim’s family’s unwillingness to testify at trial.
The charge involves sexual contact with a minor under age 15.
The State of North Dakota filed the motion to dismiss on Monday against Ronald Hehn, Jr. A trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday, but has been canceled.
In the court filing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Van Horn says the victim’s mother wrote a letter indicating an intent to not be present for trial. Van Horn writes that without the testimony of the victim and victim’s family, the State will move to dismiss the matter.
The motion states prosecutors have been unable to meaningfully prepare for trial due to an inability to meet with the victim and the victim’s family.
Police obtained surveillance video from the apartment complex, which officers said showed Hehn giving the victim a massage where he appeared to touch her inappropriately.
Hehn had denied inappropriately touching the victim or giving her a massage.
