A North Dakota judge has sentenced state lawmaker Jason Dockter to 250 hours of community service, a $2,500 fine, and probation after he was convicted of speculating or wagering on official action in connection to a state-leased building he co-owns. Dockter, 50, was also ordered to pay court fees, undergo fingerprinting, and serve unsupervised probation for 360 days. The conviction may be removed from his record if he complies with probation terms. The case stemmed from complaints to the state Ethics Commission and Dockter’s voting on legislative bills appropriating money for property he had a pecuniary interest in.
Dockter, who co-owns companies that own the state-leased building, had denied any wrongdoing in the lease arrangement with the late Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. The building drew attention when his successor disclosed a construction cost overrun of over $1 million. The criminal complaint alleged that Dockter voted on bills related to the property he had acquired a pecuniary interest in, against state law and legislative rules. Prosecutors recommended a one-year deferred imposition with court fees and fingerprinting, with additional penalties to be decided by the Ethics Commission after a paused investigation resumes.
During sentencing, Dockter’s defense attorney cited his lack of criminal history and family ties in arguing for a lenient punishment. The judge expressed disappointment that Dockter did not issue an apology to the citizens of North Dakota, whom she viewed as the victims in the case. She emphasized the unique nature of the lease situation and its impact on state citizens, imposing community service and a fine as stipulations to the deferred imposition. Dockter was instructed to fulfill the community service with the homeless community within six months.
Following the sentencing, Dockter met with loved ones outside the courthouse but declined to comment on the outcome. The judge urged him to understand the consequences of his actions and to consider the impact on others. Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor expressed disagreement with the jury’s verdict and signaled plans to review the statute and rules at play. Democratic House Minority Leader Zac Ista called on Dockter to resign, but the lawmaker indicated that he had not yet made decisions regarding appealing or stepping down. The case underscored concerns about conflicts of interest for public officials and the importance of transparency in political decision-making.
