A Tokio, North Dakota man has been sentenced to 33 years in federal prison for his role in the abuse and neglect that led to the death of a three-year-old child on the Spirit Lake Reservation in 2022. Austin Ray Lester, age 29, received his sentence on August 5, 2025, in United States District Court for the District of North Dakota before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte. The sentence also includes five years of supervised release with conditions.
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.
Krissy Louise Hinsley, a co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty to two counts of child neglect in Indian country and was previously sentenced by Chief Judge Welte to ten years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Both Lester and Hinsley were ordered to pay $62,553.39 in restitution to the North Dakota Department of Human Services for medical care costs incurred prior to the child’s 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 Special Agent-in-Charge 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 Jennifer Klemetsrud 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 investigated this case along with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota.
