North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2025) that Dalton Hattem has been convicted by a jury for conspiring with his wife, Amber Hattem, to exploit vulnerable residents at long term care facility, Minot Health and Rehab. The guilty verdicts were handed down after just 16 minutes of jury deliberations following a four-day trial. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centered on a criminal conspiracy involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of elderly residents at the facility.
The Attorney General’s Office trial team presented a compelling case, introducing multiple exhibits that included disturbing communication between Dalton Hattem and Amber Hattem. These communications, extracted from their cellphones, revealed a coordinated effort to exploit residents who were unable to protect themselves due to age, illness, and cognitive impairment. The prosecution’s evidence included explicit messages and video media shared between the couple, as well as testimony from Special Agents Olson and Updike of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Key testimony was provided by staff members from Minot Health and Rehab, who described the vulnerability of the residents, and the breach of trust that occurred under the guise of care. The prosecution argued that the actions of Dalton Hattem constituted a criminal conspiracy to exploit these individuals.
While defense introduced a single exhibit to challenge this narrative, the overwhelming evidence — including testimony from Amber Hattem, painted a clear picture of the conspiracy and its damaging impact on the victims.
The jury returned two (2) unanimous guilty verdicts, following a notably swift deliberation, of Conspiracy to Commit Gross Sexual Imposition (Class A felonies). Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Attorney General Wrigley commended the North Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Ward County State’s Attorney’s Office, North Dakota BCI, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for their exceptional collaboration and persistence in uncovering these crimes and bringing charges.
“The expertise, dedication, and diligence of these teams made it possible to expose these horrific crimes and file these charges. This investigation and prosecution have given voice to victims who could not speak for themselves.” Wrigley said. “This case highlights the sacred responsibility we all share in protecting the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals in care facilities. It also serves as a clear reminder that breaches of trust in such settings will be met with swift and decisive justice.”
Dalton Hattem’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 19, 2025, at the Ward County Courthouse.
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