Former Bismarck Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault Charges

Winston Paoni drove from Mississippi to Bismarck to face allegations from 2017

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A 45-year-old man named Winston Paoni has been charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition with a person under 15 years old. Paoni, who previously lived in Bismarck, North Dakota, drove about 1,800 miles from his current home in Gulfport, Mississippi to plead not guilty to the charges. The allegations stem from incidents that allegedly occurred in 2017 at a home where Paoni used to live.

Why it matters

Sexual assault charges, especially those involving minors, are extremely serious and can have long-lasting impacts on victims, families, and communities. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and due process, as well as the challenges of prosecuting crimes that may have occurred years in the past.

The details

According to authorities, a 16-year-old reported the alleged incidents from 2017 to the police, leading to an investigation. Paoni was contacted by police in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he denied the allegations. However, he then made the long drive back to Bismarck to face the charges directly, rather than attempting to avoid them.

  • The alleged incidents occurred in 2017 at a home where Paoni used to live in Bismarck.
  • The 16-year-old victim reported the allegations to police in 2026.

The players

Winston Paoni

A 45-year-old man who previously lived in Bismarck, North Dakota and is now charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition with a person under 15 years old.

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What they’re saying

“I want to deal with the charges rather than avoid them.”

— Winston Paoni

What’s next

The judge will decide on Paoni's bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of reporting suspected sexual abuse, even years after the alleged incidents occurred. It also highlights the challenges prosecutors face in building cases around historical allegations, and the need for a fair and thorough judicial process.