Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) – On February 19, 2025, Devon Bradley Benke, born May 31, 1995, was arrested in Polk County, Minnesota, and charged with felony fifth-degree assault under Minnesota Statute 609.224, subdivision 4(b). This statute stipulates that an individual who commits a fifth-degree assault within three years of two or more previous qualified domestic violence-related offense convictions is guilty of a felony.
Fifth-degree assault in Minnesota encompasses acts intended to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death, or the intentional infliction or attempted infliction of bodily harm upon another. While a first-time offense is typically classified as a misdemeanor, repeat offenses can escalate the charge to a felony, carrying more severe penalties.
Under the felony classification, Benke faces potential penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The escalation to a felony charge reflects the seriousness with which Minnesota law treats repeated domestic violence-related offenses.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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In Minnesota, a fifth-degree assault becomes a felony if the offender has two or more prior qualified domestic violence-related convictions within the past three years.
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Felony fifth-degree assault carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
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Repeat offenses are taken seriously under Minnesota law, with escalating penalties designed to deter habitual offenders.