A 24-year-old man from Dickinson has been taken into custody by the Dickinson Police Department. He is facing charges of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, which is classified as a Class AA Felony.
Lukas Walter Dougherty has been apprehended and transferred to the Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center after an investigation conducted by Dickinson Police detectives. This facility, serving multiple counties in the region, is well-prepared to handle high-profile offenders.
A report was received by the police department, claiming that Dougherty had been involved in sexual acts with a minor.
After conducting an investigation, detectives uncovered that Dougherty is accused of committing multiple instances of sexual assault against the victim within the last month. After conducting their investigation, detectives were able to gather enough evidence to make an arrest. Dougherty was subsequently taken into custody on July 10.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is considered a Class AA Felony in North Dakota, which is the most serious level of felony in the state. Those convicted of this crime face severe penalties, including the potential for imprisonment. The police made it clear that Dougherty, like anyone facing criminal charges, is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Stark County State’s Attorney’s office has confirmed that Dougherty’s cash bond has been set at $250,000. Additionally, he has been court-ordered to have no contact with the victim and members of the victim’s family
The investigation is still ongoing, and no additional information has been disclosed at this time. The Dickinson Police Department is encouraging individuals who may have further information regarding this case to step forward and provide assistance in the ongoing investigation.
This arrest is part of the ongoing efforts by local and state authorities to address child sexual abuse and provide support to victims. There are a range of options and support available for individuals and their loved ones affected by such situations, such as counseling services and legal aid.