A former corrections officer at the Heart of America Correctional Center in Rugby has been charged with two counts of sexual abuse of wards, a Class C felony.

Anthony Aadland, 31, has been accused of engaging in sexual activities with two female inmates at the correctional center after an investigation by jail staff and agents with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

According to court documents, HOACC administrators, staff, and agents with BCI investigated two reports against Aadland alleging sexual assault and an inappropriate relationship. Aadland denied having sexual contact with the second victim but responded “okay” when asked about the alleged relationship with the first victim.

Aadland made his initial appearance before Northeast District Court Judge Michael Hurly on Feb. 15 via Zoom from the Bottineau County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 13 at the Pierce County Courthouse in Rugby. Aadland faces up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines for each count.