(Grand Forks, ND) — A Grand Forks teen is pleading not guilty to felony sexual assault charges. Jayden Allen Perales is accused of raping a 12-year-old-girl in June 2024 when he was 17-years-old. The victim told law enforcement that Perales forced her into two sexual acts during a house party. Perales denied the allegations, but DNA samples taken from the 18-year-old and the girl’s clothes were reportedly a match. If convicted, Perales faces a maximum penalty of life without the chance of parole.
