Fargo Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Abuse and Assault
Fargo, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Rhawnie Marcellais, a 42-year-old woman from Belcourt, North Dakota, has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including child abuse in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon, and malicious mischief.
During a federal court appearance on Wednesday, District Court Judge Peter Welte also mandated three years of supervised release and imposed a $300 special assessment fee along with $1,302 in restitution. The charges stem from a troubling series of events that began on January 1, 2021, when police were alerted to a minor female seeking assistance after a dispute with Marcellais. Subsequently, the minor was treated at a local emergency room for injuries sustained during the confrontation, where she reported that Marcellais threw an empty beer bottle at her, causing injury, and pressed a pillow against her face.
The case intensified when a video emerged in September 2022, illustrating the violent incident as described by the victim. This discovery led to an investigation by the Turtle Mountain Child Welfare and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Further complicating the case, in January 2023, Marcellais was connected to another assault involving an adult female, resulting in serious bodily injuries, including fractured ribs and a concussion.
Marcellais was employed as an English teacher at Dunseith Public Schools at the time of her arrest and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. In a statement, the district emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.
U.S. Attorney Christine Schneider reinforced the seriousness of child abuse crimes and acknowledged the collaboration between federal and local agencies in securing justice for the victims involved.
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