Acting United States Attorney, Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl, revealed that Austin Ray Lester, a 29-year-old resident of Tokio, North Dakota, has admitted guilt in United States District Court. On April 14, 2025, in front of Chief Judge Peter Welte, Lester pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, two counts of child neglect in Indian country, and assault of a child with a dangerous weapon in Indian country. The sentencing is set for August 5, 2025.
The charges stem from the neglect and death of a three-year-old child in August 2022 on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Krissy Louise Hinsley, a co-defendant in the case, faces similar charges of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. Hinsley’s change of plea and sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2025.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy, representing the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota.
