Grand Forks man will represent himself in sexual assault trial next week

The image of a man struggling against restraints can be stark, a visual representation of the legal battles unfolding. In Grand Forks, a deeply troubling case is moving toward trial, raising serious questions about justice and mental well-being within our community. Dhuuh Mohamed Hassan is set to represent himself in a jury trial next week, facing charges of gross sexual imposition, felonious restraint, and aggravated assault—allegations that involve the severe mistreatment of a woman. The complexities surrounding this case underscore the vulnerabilities individuals can face and the critical need for support systems within our society.

The Allegations

On September 18, 2024, a disturbing incident unfolded in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Dhuuh Mohamed Hassan is accused of restraining, physically assaulting, and attempting to sexually assault a woman. The case has garnered significant attention, not only due to the severity of the charges but also because Hassan plans to represent himself in the upcoming jury trial scheduled for November 17-20. According to an affidavit filed with the court, the incident began inside Hassan’s apartment, where he allegedly attempted to force himself onto the woman multiple times, telling her, “you owe me sex.” She repeatedly refused his advances. The assault escalated, with Hassan punching her in the head and locking the door when she tried to leave. The struggle eventually ended in another apartment, where Hassan allegedly strangled the woman, causing her to feel as if she was about to pass out.

Law enforcement responded to a domestic incident at an apartment complex at 12:19 a.m. that day. The responding officer reportedly observed Hassan, naked from the waist down, holding onto a woman who was lying on the floor; the officer intervened after she requested assistance. Hassan was charged on Sept. 18, 2024, with Class A felony gross sexual imposition, Class C felony felonious restraint and Class C felony aggravated assault. Class A felonies carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A conviction for any of these charges could trigger the 85% rule, which requires a person convicted of a serious violent offense to serve at least 85% of their sentence. North Dakota Courts provides further information on sentencing guidelines and legal processes.

Legal Proceedings and Representation

Hassan has fired five court-appointed defense attorneys and insists on representing himself. During a status conference Tuesday, Judge Ted Sandberg explained the upcoming trial proceedings and confirmed Hassan’s decision to represent himself. “I don’t need an attorney,” Hassan said via an interpreter. “I can defend myself.” The state, represented by Emerson Solemsaas, requested the court appoint Hassan standby counsel—an attorney who could answer questions but wouldn’t actively participate in the trial. Judge Sandberg denied the request, citing Hassan’s past behavior and frustration with previous counsel. At a previous hearing on Sept. 9, Solemsaas referenced a situation where “the defendant essentially had to be dragged out and was nearly held in contempt.”

Judge Sandberg warned Hassan against outbursts during the trial, noting that while recent hearings have been orderly, Hassan has previously spoken out of turn. The court granted a motion allowing Hassan to appear in plain clothes during the trial, a standard practice intended to minimize potential prejudice associated with a defendant appearing in correctional center attire. This decision aimed to eliminate any bias stemming from his appearance.

Fitness to Proceed Evaluation

Hassan’s case has seen several delays due to concerns regarding his mental health status. He was first ordered to complete a fitness-to-proceed evaluation in July 2025 and was deemed fit to proceed during a hearing Sept. 9, 2025. This evaluation is crucial for ensuring that Hassan understands the charges against him and can participate meaningfully in his defense. The court's determination of his fitness to proceed is a vital step in ensuring a fair trial.

Community Reaction

The case has understandably drawn concern within the Grand Forks community. While direct public statements from residents are not documented in available reports, the seriousness of the charges—restraint, assault, and alleged sexual assault—evokes a sense of unease and reinforces the need for increased awareness and preventative measures regarding domestic violence. The situation underscores the importance of strong families and supportive communities that offer refuge and resources to those experiencing abuse. Many local organizations, such as The Lighthouse Center, provide vital services for victims of domestic violence, offering shelter, counseling, and legal assistance.

What Happens Next

The jury trial is scheduled to begin on November 17-20. The state will be represented by Emerson Solemsaas. Grand Forks County resources can be found on the county website. The upcoming trial serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges within our community and the importance of supporting those in need.

Chloe's Take

This case is more than just a legal proceeding; it’s a reflection of the vulnerabilities within our community and the vital importance of strong, supportive relationships. The fact that Hassan has dismissed five attorneys and chosen to represent himself speaks to a complex situation that likely involves deeper struggles than we can fully understand from the court documents. It underscores the need for accessible mental health services and resources—not just for individuals facing legal challenges, but for the entire community. The allegations against Hassan are deeply disturbing, and the victim deserves justice and healing. As a community, we must reaffirm our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and fostering an environment where families thrive on respect, trust, and open communication.

The legal system is designed to ensure fairness, but it’s also clear that navigating it can be incredibly daunting, especially for those facing mental health challenges or lacking strong support networks. It's a reminder that the American dream of stable families and safe communities requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. The court’s decision regarding standby counsel is understandable given Hassan's behavior, but it also highlights the potential for an uneven playing field in this trial. We must hope that justice is served not only for the victim but also with a consideration for the underlying factors contributing to this tragic situation.

Ultimately, cases like these call us to action—to support organizations working to prevent domestic violence, to advocate for better mental health services, and to strengthen the bonds within our families and communities. It’s a time for compassion, understanding, and a renewed commitment to creating a society where everyone feels safe and valued.

Resources

For individuals experiencing domestic violence or seeking support, the following resources are available:

• The Lighthouse Center: Provides shelter, counseling, and legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Offers confidential support and resources for victims of domestic violence.
• North Dakota Alliance for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Provides information and resources on domestic violence prevention and intervention.
• Grand Forks County: Offers various social services, including support for victims of violence.
• North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services: Provides information on mental health services and resources.
• USA.gov - State Programs: Provides links to state-specific programs and resources.

Maia Labbe is the cops and courts reporter for the Grand Forks Herald. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2025 with a B.S. in journalism. She previously worked as copy editor for the Independent Florida Alligator and was a producer for ESPN/WRUF in Gainesville, Florida.