Dalton Jake Hattem and Amber Lyn Hattem, both 33, have been charged with two counts of Class A felony conspiracy to commit gross sexual imposition-victim unaware. Amber Hattem also faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure.

The Hattems were charged following a multi-agency investigation involving the North Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Ward County State’s Attorney’s Office and North Dakota Bureau of Investigation.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced the charges in a release on Thursday, wherein he condemned the alleged conduct, which he said emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable adults and holding accountable all individuals involved in such exploitation.

“The charges filed against Amber and Dalton Hattem reveal deeply troubling allegations of acts committed against individuals who were under care and unable to protect themselves. These are egregious allegations of troubling violations of human dignity and trust,” Wrigley said. “The State of North Dakota is fully committed to pursuing justice for these victims, and we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure accountability.”

Dalton Hattem

According to court documents, the investigation stemmed from a separate investigation into a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in August 2024. The Hattems were charged in December with promoting or directing an obscene sexual performance by a minor and possession of certain materials prohibited, both Class C felonies.

The Hattems’ devices were seized and searched in the course of the cybertip investigation, which located images and videos on the couple’s cell phones of numerous individuals in a hospital or nursing home setting.

Several of the individuals in the videos appeared bedridden or unconscious in various states of undress, and all appeared to be unaware of the images or videos being made. The images and videos were made between April 1, 2024, and Dec. 12, 2024, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Amber Hattem was employed as a certified nurse assistant at a Minot care center at the time. During an interview with law enforcement, She identified the residents who were recorded or photographed, and admitted the illicit content was created for Dalton Hattem’s sexual gratification.

The charges allege that Amber Hattem engaged in sexual acts with two adult patients who were either unaware or unable to comprehend the acts due to severe cognitive impairments, including dementia. Four other residents of the care center were identified in the photos and videos taken while they were undressed and showering, using the restroom or were receiving perineal care. Hattem is also charged with recording and transmitting a sexually explicit video of herself while on duty inside a patient’s room.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Dalton Hattem responded to one of the videos by telling Amber Hattem, “You need to move to a daycare center.”

The Hattems made their initial appearance in North Central District Court on Friday. They are currently in custody at the Ward County Jail and being held on identical $500,000 cash or corporate surety bonds for the child pornography case. However, Dalton Hattem is blocked from posting bond due to a hold by the FBI.

Their preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Friday, May 2.