FARGO — A Rolla man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to the sexual abuse of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemestrud Puhl announced on Monday.

Jace Fox, 25, Rolla, appeared in United States District Court in Fargo on Friday and was sentenced by Chief Judge Peter Welte to serve 51 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. Fox also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents cited in Puhl’s news release, the minor victim submitted to a forensic interview in February 2022, during which she disclosed that Fox sexually abused her when she was 13 years old. At the time of the conduct, Fox was 20 years of age. During a subsequent investigation, other minors made similar disclosures about having been sexually abused by Fox, according to the release.

Fox initially denied knowing the minor victim when he was interviewed by the FBI in January 2023. Fox eventually admitted to knowing the victim but denied sexually abusing her. However, Fox plead guilty to the sexual abuse of the victim on Nov. 19, 2024.

“This was a despicable crime committed against one of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The

FBI and our partners are fully committed to protecting children from abuse and ensuring those who exploit or harm them face justice swiftly.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota.