Staff Writer

A Williston man charged with multiple counts of gross sexual imposition pled not guilty during a preliminary hearing in Northwest District Court Monday afternoon.

Francisco Barraza IV, 33, Williston, was charged with once count of gross sexual imposition on Oct. 15 and was charged with two more counts on Oct. 16.

According to the charges, Barraza, on or about the month of September through on or about Oct. 13, engaged in sexual contact with an individual 13 years of age.

The hearing took place in the Williams County Courthouse before Northwest District Judge Gerald Rustad. Williams County State's Attorney Marlyce Wilder questioned Lt. Det. Mark Hanson of the Williston Police Department about the charges against Barraza. Hanson stated that the investigation began after receiving a phone call from Williams County Social Services regarding the accusations made by the 13-year-old girl.

"I requested that a forensic interview be conducted," said Hanson.

Hanson said this interview was conducted by a trained social services worker specially trained to hold such interviews. He said the interview, which was recorded, took place on Oct. 13 and he observed it from a separate room while it was being conducted.

"She described several instances in which sexual contact had occurred between her and Mr. Barraza," said Hanson.

Hanson was questioned in detail about each of the three counts and asked how she had referred to them.

Hanson stated that she had referred to them as "weird things" that she didn't believe should be going on with her. He said the girl had first mentioned the events to a teacher at Williston Middle School.

Wilder asked if the 13-year-old seemed comfortable during the interview and what kind of a girl she seemed to be.

"She is a very intelligent, very articulate girl. A very smart girl," replied Hanson.

Hanson added that Barraza had come in voluntarily to speak with him on the morning of Oct. 14 about the matter.

"I feel that the Jane Doe's version of the events was to me very believable. I expressed that to Mr. Barraza," said Hanson.

Kevin Chapman, Barraza's attorney, questioned Hanson about his investigation and the Jane Doe.

Chapman asked Hanson about accusations made by the Jane Doe in the past that he said were unfounded.

Hanson replied that he had been told of such accusations by Chapman, but he had yet to receive documented evidence of this from him.

Chapman referred to an accusation made in the State of Arizona by the Jane Doe alleging inappropriate sexual contact by a 15-year-old boy. Hanson replied that he had seen that information from an email Chapman sent him, but that it had nothing to do with Mr. Barraza.

Chapman asked if he would be investigating this previous claim made by the Jane Doe. Hanson replied he would once the proper information and documentation were provided to him.

Judge Rustad asked Barraza if he understood the charges against him. He said he did, then pled not guilty to all three counts.

Barraza's next court appearance will be a pre-trial conference. The date was not yet set as of Monday.

Gross sexual imposition is a Class-A felony. Barraza is currently out on bail, which was set at $15,000 at a 10 percent to post.