Former Cass County deputy charged for conduct toward women in 24-7 release program

Former Cass County Deputy Darin Viken

FARGO (KFGO) – A former Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy has been charged with six misdemeanors of disorderly conduct related to his position as coordinator of the 24-7 program.

Darin Viken, 62, of Fargo was charged by the Grand Forks County State’s Attorneys Office.

The complaint says Viken engaged in harassing conduct toward women in the program that included unwanted acts, words or gestures between December of 2022 and July of 2024. A statement of probable cause which would provide further details is not yet part of the public court file.

Viken was fired by Sheriff Jesse Jahner last July after he learned of the investigation that was conducted by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Jahner says he’s both disheartened and angered by the charges. He says Viken dishonored the organization, community and law enforcement profession. Viken was a 19-year employee of the sheriff’s office and was named 24-7 coordinator in the fall of 2015.

24-7 requires people to submit to alcohol or drug testing as a condition of bail. It can apply to sentences or probation in cases that include driving violations, domestic abuse and child abuse or neglect.