FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A Fargo man who was charged after sexually assaulting a minor has been sentenced.
Katterrius Oates was charged on February 14 with use of a minor in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a minor, possession of certain materials prohibited, corruption of a minor and violation of an order prohibiting contact.
According to court records, he plead not guilty to all charges against him on April 24, and then changed his plea on June 19.
On August 28, he was sentenced to 20 years in jail, but following a plea deal, he will serve a little over 9.5 years, followed by 3 years of supervised probation.
Court records say investigators analyzed cell phone data between Oates and a juvenile female between November 2024 and January 2025.
Pictures, videos, and conversations between the two suggest they had been in a relationship for at least two years, documents say.
Police say the victim’s mother discovered the messages and photos and contacted them.
Documents say Oates told investigators he knew the girl was only 15 years-old.
In February, 2025, police say they were contacted about Oates violating a no-contact order. Upon further investigation, police say Oates had been in contact with the victim on Instagram, Snapchat and Gmail.
Due to Oates guilty plea, a felony jury trial scheduled for September 3 has been cancelled.
