A Moorhead man who assaulted his mother in the Clay County Courthouse in 1999 was back in court Monday, accused of sexually assaulting a woman and knocking her unconscious.
Ortis N. Alderman, 34, was charged with third-degree assault, fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct and fourth-degree criminal damage to property.
According to court documents:
Moorhead police officers were called at 9:49 p.m. Saturday to 1622 10½ St. S. for a possible disturbance. They found the victim crying and holding ice to her forehead.
The victim told police she was out walking the dog and saw Alderman walking around the neighborhood and saying things. She said she couldn't understand him because he is deaf and can't speak clearly, but she thought she heard him make a rude comment. She turned away from him, and he continued to say things to her, she told police.
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The woman told police that when she turned toward Alderman, he grabbed her breasts. She tried to call police, and he grabbed her cell phone from her and punched her twice in the face, knocking her out.
The victim was taken to Sanford Health in Fargo with a concussion, court documents state.
Alderman was arrested and taken to the Clay County Jail. Through written questions and answers, he told police the woman started the argument. He told police he complained about her dog and that she was yelling at him and pushed him and hit him, court documents state.
Bail was set at $10,000 bond or cash. Alderman was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
In 1999, Alderman was convicted of fifth-degree assault for striking his mother on the head and body several times. He was sentenced to six months in jail for the incident, which took place in a courthouse meeting room, according to Forum archives.
His next court appearance is set for Oct. 11.
