Austin Ray Lester, a 29-year-old resident of Tokio, North Dakota, was sentenced to 33 years in federal prison for his involvement in the death of a three-year-old child. The sentencing took place on August 5, 2025, before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte in United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. Lester will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
Lester had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child neglect in Indian country, as well as assault of a child with a dangerous weapon in Indian country. His co-defendant, Krissy Louise Hinsley, pleaded guilty to two counts of child neglect and was sentenced earlier by Chief Judge Welte to ten years in prison and three years of supervised release.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred in 2022 within the Spirit Lake Reservation. According to court records, both Lester and Hinsley abused and neglected the three-year-old child, which resulted in her death. Both defendants were ordered to pay $62,553.39 in restitution to the North Dakota Department of Human Services for medical care provided to the child prior to her death.
"Today, Austin Ray Lester was sentenced for his role in the horrifying abuse and neglect that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child," said FBI Minneapolis SAC Alivn M. Winston Sr. " This sentence represents a step towards justice for the life lost, and a warning to those who endanger our most vulnerable community members. The FBI will work tirelessly with its partners to ensure that the precious children of the Spirit Lake Reservation have the opportunity to grow in a safe and secure environment."
“This is a tragic child abuse case. This three-year-old child was the victim of fatal abuse and neglect at the hands of her caregivers, Lester and Hinsley. They left her alone at home, where she was exposed to dangerous conditions while Lester and Hinsley used narcotics. This is shameful, deliberate, and horrific conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Puhl. “This case should serve as a reminder that we at the United States Attorney’s Office will seek lengthy sentences for those whose willful and neglectful conduct leads to the death of children.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation into this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota.
