A teenager from Grand Forks has entered a plea of not guilty to two felony charges following allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. The 18-year-old, Jayden Allen Perales, faces two counts of Class AA felony gross sexual imposition, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
The accusations date back to June 2024, when Perales was 17 years old. Initially handled in juvenile court, the case was transferred to adult criminal court in February of the current year. According to a probable cause affidavit, a girl reported to law enforcement that she was coerced into two sexual acts by Perales during a house party at his residence, despite her refusal.
Perales has denied these allegations, reportedly telling authorities that no girls were present in his room or at the party on that night. However, DNA evidence collected from the girl’s clothing matched samples taken from Perales, as detailed in the affidavit.
The court has scheduled Perales’ next hearing, a final dispositional conference, for July 17 at 1:30 p.m. He is currently not in custody, having been released on an unsecured appearance bond, which does not require payment for his release as the legal proceedings continue.