Clay County prosecutor disappointed with bond for rape suspect

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Assistant Clay County Attorney Pam Harris expressed strong disappointment Thursday with the amount of bail that was set for a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her car.
“He is a flight risk. He has a lot of financial ability to flee,” Harris said, referring to Richard Lee Haaland Jr., 46, of Fargo, who is charged in Clay County District Court with first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Harris had requested $1 million bail, the most she has ever asked for in a criminal case.
Haaland was released from jail Wednesday after posting $100,000 bond. Clay County Judge Lisa Borgen set conditions of release for Haaland at $500,000 bail without conditions and $100,000 bail with conditions.
Harris said a bag was found in Haaland’s north Fargo home that contained a “substantial amount of money” and a passport. Harris said Haaland has surrendered his passport, but she said a strong flight risk continues to exist.
Haaland’s next court appearance is set for Oct. 5.
Haaland is accused of assaulting a woman early in the morning Sept. 6.