Watford City man takes plea agreement for sexual assault case, sentencing set for February

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Last year, Dylan Lobato was arrested after police say he tried to force himself on a taxicab driver, stole a vehicle, broke into a house and sexually assaulted one of the residents.

As part of a plea agreement he accepted Friday, Lobato pleaded guilty to felony counts of terrorizing, theft and burglary. One felony count of gross sexual imposition was lowered to a misdemeanor sexual assault charge. Lobato also pleaded guilty to other misdemeanors, including wearing a mask during a crime.

Lobato’s attorney, Kevin Chapman, requested a pre-sentence investigation prior to sentencing to provide more background for the defendant and to allow Lobato time to deal with upcoming medical procedures.

“Mr. Lobato, since the age of eight, has had 24 kidney surgeries. Both kidneys are horrible,” said Chapman.

Northwest District Court Judge Robin Schmidt initially hesitated to honor the request since this was the second time Lobato wanted to change his plea.

“I do not want to have a change of plea and a sentencing down the road, 60 days, and there’s some remorse or whatever you want to call it, and you request to withdraw that guilty plea so these alleged victims have to wait longer for a resolution on this matter,” said Schmidt.

Eventually, Lobato agreed to show up to court every Friday until he is sentenced to show good faith.

Lobato will be sentenced on Feb. 26.