Jun. 16—GRAND FORKS — A Grand Forks teen accused of raping a 12-year-old girl changed his plea Monday, June 16.
Jayden Allen Perales, 18, pleaded guilty to two counts of Class AA felony gross sexual imposition for a forced sexual act. The crimes have a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
He originally entered a not guilty plea to both charges in April.
No plea agreement has been publicly filed in the case; a pre-sentence investigation will be completely that will likely inform Perales’ sentence.
The crimes occurred during a June 15, 2024, house party at Perales’ residence, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case.
Perales, 17 at the time, engaged in two sexual acts with a 12-year-old girl, the affidavit said. The girl told law enforcement Perales forced himself on her despite her refusal.
Interviewed by law enforcement, Perales alleged no girls were in his room that night, and said there weren’t any girls at the party to begin with.
DNA was taken from the girl’s clothing, and it was a match to Perales’ own DNA, according to the affidavit.
Sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Oct. 6.