(KNOX) –A 51-year-old Grand Forks man will represent himself at his trial, in a case that accuses him of restraining and physically assaulting a woman, while also trying to sexually assault her.
Dhuuh Mohamed Hassan was charged in 2024 with a Class A felony and two Class C felonies.
A Class A felony comes with a maximum sentence of 20 years. Judge Theodore Sandberg says that a conviction on any of these charges could require him to serve at least 85 percent of a sentence.
Hassan is accused of forcing himself onto a woman multiple times at his apartment and he allegedly said that the woman “owed him sex.” The woman told officers that he refused multiple times.
Hassan is also accused of punching the woman multiple times and strangling her.
Hassan’s case has been delayed because he has fired five different attorneys and there were concerns about his mental state. Sandberg ruled that Hassan is fit to go to trial based on current and past State Hospital reports.
Prosecutor Emerson Eve Solemsaas says the state understands that Hassan has the right to represent himself, but asked Sandberg to appoint advisory counsel. Sandberg ruled to not to appoint advisory counsel but would reconsider that decision if it became necessary.
Hassan is being held without bond at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center. His trial is scheduled for November 17.
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