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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) A construction worker has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15 year-old girl from Nelson County.

19 year-old Joseph Chapps of Hardy, Arkansas was arrested on August 19. He had been staying at a Cooperstown motel with his aunt and uncle.

According to court documents the alleged sexual assault occurred in the back of an extended cab vehicle while an 18 year old man was driving along Highway 1 just north of Valley City on August 16.

A preliminary hearing for Chapps is set for September 23 in Valley City at the Barnes County courthouse. He remains in jail on a $50,000 cash surety bond.

Chapps could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted on a charge of Gross Sexually Imposition.