School counselor charged with felonies following investigation

(McVille, ND) — A North Dakota school counselor faces three Class C felonies in connection with an incident at the Dakota Prairie School in McVille, ND.

According to court documents, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation officers were requested by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, in late November 2023, to assist in an investigation into allegations of misconduct and sexual assault from Dakota Prairie High School counselor Brendon Parsley. According to the school’s website, Parsley has been at the district since the 2003-2004 school year.

In early December 2023, a female student was interviewed by investigators. She told them she had sought counseling services from Parsley, which turned into ‘flirty stuff,’ according to court documents. The female said the behavior escalated over time — leading to an eventual sexual assault, according to investigators.

A second female was interviewed, and told investigators that, during one instance, she got up to leave Parsley’s office during school, and Parsley “came up behind her as she was standing.” She continued saying Parsley “hugged (Jane Doe 2) from behind,” and touched her inappropriately.

Parsley faces charges of solicitation of a minor, luring minors by computers or other electronic means and sexual assault charges.

An arrest warrant was issued for Parsley on Tuesday in Nelson County District Court.