Bottineau Resident Accused of Minor Corruption Takes Own Life Days Following Detention

 Todd Lane Hunskor, age 53, from Bottineau, took his own life on Wednesday night, as confirmed by various sources familiar with the investigation today. This tragic event occurred merely four days after Hunskor was detained and charged with one count of corruption or solicitation of a minor (victim over 15 years), which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor in the state of North Dakota.

Hunskor was apprehended on November 17 as part of the execution of a federal search warrant at his home on Sunset Bay Road, as well as at his 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. The charges originated from an incident on October 14 in the employee parking area of Sky Dancer Casino located near Belcourt, where surveillance footage showed a 16-year-old boy getting into the back seat of Hunskor’s truck for about 13 minutes. According to court documents, the truck was seen rocking continuously, and it appeared that clothing was being removed.

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Based on the probable-cause affidavit, the young individual informed forensic interviewers that he met Hunskor on the platform X (previously known as Twitter) and subsequently exchanged sexually explicit messages and images. The minor indicated that Hunskor set up the meeting in the parking lot and ensured the back of the truck was prepared with flattened seats, a blanket, and a pillow. The boy claimed Hunskor remarked, “I like young boys, but I wait until they turn 18,” even though the boy was just 16 years old at that moment.

During the search of Hunskor’s vehicle on November 17, agents discovered condoms, lubricant, items intended for adult entertainment, and a feminine hygiene product. When agents sought to question him, Hunskor requested legal representation and was subsequently booked into the Bottineau County Jail. Hunskor’s spouse informed investigators that they had not engaged in sexual relations “in many years” and that she had previously caught him using the dating application Grindr aimed at gay and bisexual individuals and a secret “burner phone” while they resided in Minot.

Officials have not disclosed how Hunskor ended his life. The Rolette County State’s Attorney’s office has confirmed that the criminal proceedings will be dropped because of the defendant’s passing. The identity of the 16-year-old victim has not been released. Counseling services are being offered through local tribal and county resources.