State prosecutors in North Dakota have indicated they are “indifferent” to a defense request that Judge Gary Lee recuse himself from the theft case involving Dallas and co‑defendant Nichole Rice. The motion, filed by Rice’s attorney Ashley Gulke, alleges bias on the part of the presiding judge.
Background of the case
Dallas and Nichole Rice are accused of misappropriating more than $180,000 from the Souris Valley Bowmen archery club while serving as the organization’s president and treasurer. The alleged theft has drawn significant local attention, given the club’s role in the community.
Judicial proceedings
The North Dakota Supreme Court previously overruled a lower‑court decision, allowing Dallas to post bond after a plea deal was rejected. However, the Supreme Court declined to remove Judge Lee from the case at that time.
In a filing submitted on Thursday, prosecutor Jeremy Ensrud stated that the state’s position on the recusal request is “indifferent,” effectively leaving the decision to the judge himself. Judge Lee has not yet responded to the filing.
Next steps
With the prosecutor’s neutral stance, the matter will likely be addressed by Judge Lee in a future hearing. In the meantime, the case remains scheduled to go to trial in January.
The outcome of the recusal request could influence how the trial proceeds, but for now the legal process continues without a definitive ruling on the judge’s involvement.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
