DICKINSON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A former LaMoure Police Chief sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole could be facing a lesser sentence after a judge changed his mind.

James Watson was sentenced to life Tuesday, July 10th for continuous sexual abuse of a child in multiple counties. In a change of opinion late Thursday afternoon, Judge William Herauf issued a letter citing an oversight in his judgement and sentencing.

In the letter, Judge Herauf states a resentencing hearing is set for next week.

Watson faced charges in both Golden Valley and Stark counties, as well as gross sexual imposition in Hettinger County in southwest North Dakota. His arrest came while he served as the chief of police for the LaMoure Police Department across the state in southeast North Dakota.