Mitchell man jailed for rape conviction

A Mitchell man will serve 75 days in the Davison County Jail on a fourth-degree rape conviction.

Judge Sean O’Brien sentenced Dustin Nordrum, 18, on Thursday to five years in prison but granted a suspended execution of sentence, meaning Nordrum can avoid prison if he abides by certain terms of probation.

Nordrum was originally charged with misdemeanor sexual contact and two charges of felony fourth-degree rape.

The charges stemmed from three incidents — one of sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl in May, and two of sexual penetration involving a 15-year-old in June and a 14-year-old in July.

In September, he pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree rape. In exchange for his guilty plea, the state agreed to drop the other charges.

Nordrum remained seemingly emotionless during Thursday’s proceeding.

When Judge O’Brien asked whether he had anything to say, Nordrum nearly inaudibly said, “No, your honor.” O’Brien asked Nordrum a few questions prior to pronouncing his sentence. Referring to the pre-sentence investigation report, O’Brien asked whether Nordrum still felt he was a victim in the situations. Nordrum answered, “No.” “What do you think your victims feel about what you’ve done?” O’Brien asked. “I’m not sure what to say about that one,” Nordrum answered. After a few more questions, O’Brien expressed his disappointment regarding Nordrum’s attitude toward his victims, education and authority.

He also voiced his pessimism regarding Nordrum’s chance at having a better life if his attitude doesn’t change.

“You have no remorse and no sympathy for your victims,” O’Brien said, addressing the PSI.

Nordrum will be on probation for the next five years; however, if he does not comply with several conditions, he could serve the five years in prison.

Nordrum must pay $104 in court costs, and repay court appointed attorney fees and the cost of a psychosexual evaluation. He must enroll in and successfully complete counseling or treatment recommended by court services and use his best efforts to finish his education, among other stipulations.

Nordrum began serving his 75 days in jail Thursday.

“I have no good thoughts or feelings that anything I say or do will change your behavior,” O’Brien said. “If you don’t change anything, you’ll be in the penitentiary in a few years. I’m pessimistic for your future.”

Tags: news, updates, crime, rape, local, mitchell, jail