Fargo is Enjoying the Multicultural Blessings of Muslim Immigration

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) –

The man accused of storming behind the counter of a Mapleton convenience store and beating and sexually assaulting an employee finally made it to court, but not without some drama.

Abdulrahman Ali faces five related charges, including a AA felony that carries a possible sentence of life in prison.

Prosecutors say he locked the employee in a bathroom to carry out the crime while a customer and coworker looked on.

He refused to come out when law enforcement arrived.

He also refused to go to court for his initial appearance on Friday, but did not give a reason why.

Ali did appear in person Monday to hear the charges against him, and the court took a great deal of care to make sure he did “hear” them.

The court provided an Arabic translator to relay a verbatim of the charges; however, it was apparent Ali did comprehend at least some English as he did directly address the judge’s questions several times.

But even after all that effort upon the conclusion of the hearing, the prosecutor learned Ali’s native tongue is Somali.

Ali has not yet applied for a public defender; something he agreed to do well ahead of his next court appearance next month.

His bail remains set at $1 million.