Man charged sexual contact minor girl

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP) – A construction worker in North Dakota who authorities accuse of having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl has been charged.

A $50,000 bond has been set for 19-year-old Joseph Chapps of Hardy, Arkansas. He is facing a gross sexual imposition charge.

Chapps had been staying at a Cooperstown motel with two relatives until he was arrested Aug. 19. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday at the Barnes County courthouse.

Chapps’ court-appointed attorney Mark Blumer declined to comment Thursday.