Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — Richard Lee Washington, 71, of Detroit Lakes, is charged with four felonies.
Prosecutors filed three counts of felony domestic assault.
They also filed one count of felony fifth-degree drugs.
The case is in Becker County District Court.
Allegations
Court papers say the alleged assaults happened from Dec. 19 through Jan. 7.
The woman told investigators they dated in the past.
She said the relationship was romantic and sexual.
She said she had been his “punching bag” for too long, the complaint states.
The complaint lists several alleged attacks.
It says Washington hit her with a cane.
It says he stomped on her foot.
It says he cut her arm with a knife.
It says he struck her knee and head with a hammer.
The filing does not name the woman.
Traffic Stop And Search
Washington was pulled over on Jan. 10 in Detroit Lakes, the complaint says.
He was arrested on the assault allegations.
Police reported finding an orange flare gun under the driver’s seat.
The complaint says two 12-gauge flares were attached to it.
Drug Allegation
Investigators say they searched Washington’s jacket after the arrest.
They say they found two baggies of cocaine inside.
The baggies weighed 6.63 grams with packaging, the complaint says.
Prior Cases And Bail
Court records show Washington has two prior qualified domestic violence convictions from 2024.
Records also show a pending felony case tied to a harassment restraining order.
In that matter, the release terms required no contact with the same woman.
Those cases are separate from the new charges.
Bail or bond with no conditions was set at $100,000 bail or $50,000 bond on Jan. 13.
Court records also list $5,000 cash bail with conditions.
Those conditions included no contact with the woman.
Washington posted $5,000 cash bail on Jan. 14 and was released.
Next Court Date
His next court appearance is set for Feb. 9 before District Judge Gretchen Thilmony.
Charges are allegations and must be proven in court.
For public court access, visit
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
Learn more about Minnesota laws here:
Minn. Stat. § 609.2242 (Domestic Assault),
Minn. Stat. § 152.025 (Fifth-Degree Controlled Substance),
and
Minn. Stat. § 609.748 (Harassment Restraining Orders).
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.