Woman Sentenced For Sexual Abuse Of Children

Cassandra Dette Norman, 30, of Sidney was sentenced to the state prison after making the plea of guilty to sexually related felonies involving minors.

District judge Scott Herring sentenced Norman to 40 years with 30 years suspended. She received credit for 412 days for time served.

Norman made guilty pleas to sexual abuse of children and solicitation of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent. Five other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

She was arrested on Aug. 7, 2024.

According to the Sidney Herald, Imogene Lilley, an associate judge with the Fort Peck Tribal Court, appeared via Zoom and read a victim impact statement. The children involved are enrolled members of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes.

Lilley testified the children involved in this case did not have generational trauma, such as those who suffered at residential schools. However, she noted, the defendant has inflicted pain and trauma on their lives.