A former volunteer at Little Goslings Daycare in Devils Lake, North Dakota, faces nine felony charges after prosecutors accused him of sexually abusing multiple children. Braxton Strande was charged as an adult in Ramsey County District Court in September 2026. The charges include gross sexual imposition, continuous sexual abuse of a child, child abuse, and witness tampering. Strande is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The allegations raise urgent questions for families who trusted adults to protect their children at the daycare. They also warrant a careful distinction: criminal charges against Strande do not establish that Little Goslings Daycare or its operator committed wrongdoing. Any potential civil claim involving an institution would require its own investigation and evidence.
What Do Prosecutors Allege Against Braxton Strande?
According to reporting based on the Ramsey County charging documents, prosecutors allege that Strande sexually abused six girls over a period of several years. The charges also allege that he physically injured one child and threatened a child who witnessed alleged misconduct to discourage him from telling adults. The reported allegations include incidents at Little Goslings Daycare and incidents involving other children during a separate period.
These are allegations. A criminal court must determine whether prosecutors can prove the charges.
What Has Little Goslings Daycare Said?
A daycare director told Valley News Live that Strande was a volunteer, not an employee, and was present because a family member worked at the facility. According to the director, he completed a background check, remained supervised by staff, and was not assigned responsibility for children’s care or intentionally left alone with them. The director also said the daycare cooperated with investigators and supplied evidence.
Lake Region Corporation identifies Little Goslings as its childcare center. Its public description says the center opened south of Devils Lake in 2019.
Families deserve clear answers about what happened, where each alleged incident occurred, what staff could observe, and how the facility responded to any concerns. Those questions should be resolved through evidence, rather than assumptions drawn from either the charges or the daycare’s account.
Can Families Investigate a Civil Claim?
A criminal case focuses on whether an accused person committed an offense. A civil investigation can examine additional questions, including whether another person or organization had a duty to protect a child, knew or should have known of a danger, or failed to respond appropriately to warning signs.
The existence of multiple alleged victims does not, by itself, prove institutional negligence. Relevant evidence could include:
Staffing and supervision records
Incident reports
Prior complaints
Communications with families
North Dakota’s childcare licensing guidance addresses supervision and background-check requirements, but applying those requirements to this case would require facts that have not been publicly established.
Families do not need to wait for every question in a criminal case to be answered before seeking advice about preserving records and understanding their civil options.
Key Takeaways
- Braxton Strande, a former Little Goslings Daycare volunteer, faces nine felony charges involving allegations of child sexual abuse and other misconduct.
- Reporting on the charging documents describes allegations involving six girls; some alleged incidents occurred at the daycare and others involved children during a separate period.
- The daycare says Strande was supervised, was not responsible for children’s care, and that it has cooperated with investigators.
- The charges are allegations. Whether anyone beyond Strande bears civil responsibility requires a separate, fact-specific investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Braxton Strande employed by Little Goslings Daycare?
A daycare director told reporters that Strande was classified as a volunteer and was never employed by the facility.
Have the charges against Strande been proven?
No. Prosecutors filed charges, but the allegations must be tested through the criminal process. Strande is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Does a daycare’s background check rule out a civil claim?
No single background check answers every question about a child’s safety. A civil investigation would examine the particular facts, including supervision, notice of any concerns, and the response to them. A background check alone does not establish that the daycare is liable, either.
Speaking With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer About Your Rights
Legal Help for Survivors of Healthcare Sexual Abuse
Families place tremendous trust in healthcare institutions to provide safe, compassionate care for loved ones unable to care for themselves.
When trust is violated through sexual abuse, the emotional and psychological consequences can be devastating for survivors and their families.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of institutional sexual abuse in North Dakota and across the county.
If you or someone you love was harmed by Braxton Strande, you are not alone.
Our compassionate attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you understand your rights.
You deserve to be heard. We are ready to listen.
All consultations are free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
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