BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Detroit Lakes man has been sentenced on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge after prosecutors said he injured a man during an argument inside a residence.
Court records show Roderick James Jager, 25, of Detroit Lakes, reached a plea deal in the case. A felony charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon was dismissed as part of the agreement.
The case began on August 30 when Detroit Lakes police responded to a disturbance call. Officers arrived at an apartment and met Jager at the door. They noted he appeared intoxicated. They then found the victim hiding inside a locked bedroom.
According to the complaint, Jager admitted to arguing with the victim. He told officers he only threw a sweater. Officers searched the room and found a sweater covered in blood. They also found a pair of four-inch scissors with blood on the blades.
The victim reported feeling something sharp pressing into his back during the struggle. At first, he believed it was fingernails. He later told officers he thought the object may have been the scissors. Officers noted slash marks on the victim’s back that matched the size of the scissors. They also observed several bite marks.
The complaint states the injuries were consistent with an assault using a sharp object. The victim declined medical transport at the scene.
On November 3, Becker County District Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Jager to 90 days in jail. The judge stayed 84 days for two years and gave Jager credit for six days served.
Jager must serve six days behind bars. He was also fined $300 plus $160 in court fees.
The court ordered Jager to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. He must complete a chemical assessment, cognitive skills training, and domestic abuse treatment. He must follow all aftercare recommendations. Jager will serve two years of supervised probation.
More information on Minnesota domestic abuse laws is available at the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.