Johnathan Vondal, a 22-year-old accused of sexually abusing a girl in Grand Forks, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison and 10 years of supervised probation.
Prosecutor Meredith Larson told state District Judge Sonja Clapp that the abuse started when the victim was 5 years old, and it continued for nine years.
"For nine years of her life, this defendant tortured her," Larson said. "No child should ever have to endure what (the victim) had to endure."
The victim, now 15 years old, attended the sentencing.
"She should not be forgotten in this process," Larson said. "She should be commended for being here and being so strong."
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Larson said the victim took the stand to testify during a three-day jury trial in September. Jurors ultimately found Vondal guilty of continual sexual abuse of a child and aggravated assault.
In court today, Vondal's public defender, David Ogren, said the main reason for the trial was to dispute the accusation that the abuse was continual.
"We had some inappropriate behavior, but it was not continuous," Ogren said.
The aggravated-assault charge against Vondal stemmed from allegations that he strangled and punched the girl after she confronted him about the abuse in front of others.
Vondal, who pleaded not guilty to both charges, faced a maximum of 25 years in prison. In issuing a sentence, the judge acknowledged Vondal's young age, but noted that he has a significant criminal history.
The judge ordered Vondal to register as a sex offender and gave him credit for having already served 118 days in jail.
Vondal, who declined to speak in court, plans to file an appeal in the case.
"You obviously haven't accepted responsibility for what you've done," the judge said.
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Ingersoll reports on crime and courts. Reach him at (701) 780-1269; (800) 477-6572, ext. 269; or send e-mail to aingersoll@gfherald.com .
