Former ND Game and Fish Director Pleads Guilty to Sex Abuse

Steinwand changes plea days before trial, faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A former North Dakota Game and Fish director, Terry Steinwand, 71, of Mandan, has changed his plea to guilty just days before his scheduled trial on charges of gross sexual imposition with a victim under 15. Steinwand was arrested in September on the charges and was set to face a jury trial on February 17, 2026, but the trial was canceled as a plea deal was reached.

Why it matters

The case against Steinwand, a prominent former state official, has raised concerns about abuse of power and the need for accountability, especially when it involves the exploitation of minors. The plea deal comes as North Dakota has seen an increase in federal and state law enforcement efforts targeting child sexual abuse material in the Bakken region.

The details

According to court documents, Steinwand was charged with gross sexual imposition with a victim under 15, with the defendant at least 22 years old. The Morton County Sheriff's Department arrested Steinwand on September 8. Just days before his trial was set to begin, Steinwand changed his plea, pushing his Change of Plea hearing to March 4, 2026.

  • Steinwand was arrested on September 8.
  • Steinwand's trial was tentatively scheduled for February 17, 2026.
  • On February 13, 2026, the trial was canceled as a plea deal was put into play.
  • Steinwand's Change of Plea hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026.

The players

Terry Steinwand

A 71-year-old former North Dakota Game and Fish director who has been charged with gross sexual imposition with a victim under 15.

Morton County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that charged Steinwand with the sex abuse crimes.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 4, 2026 whether to accept Steinwand's plea deal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strong accountability measures and transparency when it comes to allegations of abuse by public officials, especially those in positions of power over vulnerable populations.