Former North Dakota Game and Fish Director Charged with Sexual Assault

Terry Steinwand expected to plead guilty to inappropriately touching a young girl he knew

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The former director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Terry Steinwand, is now expected to plead guilty to charges of gross sexual imposition. Steinwand is accused of inappropriately touching a young girl he knew on multiple occasions, with the girl also alleging that Steinwand forced her to touch him inappropriately. Steinwand was arrested in September 2025 and had initially pleaded not guilty, but a jury trial scheduled for this week has been cancelled and a change of plea hearing is now set for March 4.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious allegations of sexual abuse against a high-profile public official who previously held a position of authority and trust. It raises concerns about potential abuse of power and the need for thorough investigations and accountability, especially when it involves the mistreatment of minors.

The details

According to court records, the young girl told a counselor that Steinwand had inappropriately touched her on multiple occasions and also forced her to touch him inappropriately. Steinwand was arrested in September 2025 and initially pleaded not guilty, but a jury trial that was scheduled to start this week has now been cancelled, and a change of plea hearing is set for March 4.

  • Steinwand was arrested in September 2025.
  • A jury trial was scheduled to start this week but has been cancelled.
  • A change of plea hearing is set for March 4.

The players

Terry Steinwand

The former director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, who is now expected to plead guilty to charges of gross sexual imposition.

John Hoeven

The former governor of North Dakota who appointed Steinwand as the director of the Game and Fish Department in 2006.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on March 4 whether to accept Steinwand's expected guilty plea.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for thorough investigations and accountability when it comes to allegations of sexual abuse, especially when they involve public officials in positions of trust and authority.