Frazee Man Sentenced In Knife Assault Case
Frazee (trfnews.i234.me) — James Allen Damon, 39, of Frazee, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court.
Damon was sentenced on two counts of misdemeanor assault. A felony charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon was dismissed under a plea agreement.
The case stemmed from a reported disturbance on Jan. 1, 2026, on Balsom Avenue in Frazee. Court records say the call involved a knife and a dispute inside a residence.
Dispute Reportedly Involved A Cat
According to court records, the argument began after an unvaccinated cat bit one of the men earlier that day. That led to a dispute about what should happen to the animal.
One man told police Damon became upset and threatened to kill him. He said Damon pulled a knife on him and another man at the home.
The second man told officers the group had gone through a similar issue before. He claimed Damon had previously tried to seriously harm him, according to the complaint.
While discussing the cat, the second man said the animal should be put down. Court records say Damon then allegedly grabbed a knife and made a threatening statement.
James Allen Damon
Sentence Handed Down In Becker County
The first man said Damon threatened to stab him if he did not back up. He also said Damon was upset about a table and couch being thrown out.
The second man said Damon pointed the knife at him. He said Damon claimed the cat came before anyone else.
Damon told officers he was upset about the furniture. Court records say he also said the cat was more important to him than the men.
Damon denied threatening one man with the knife. When asked about the other man, he replied, “if he touched me,” according to court records.
Damon also told a Becker County deputy he was defending himself. He said no knife was used during the incident.
Officers arrested Damon and photographed the knife. More information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Becker County information is available through Becker County.
On April 10, District Judge Michelle Lawson sentenced Damon to 45 days in jail. All but two days were stayed for one year.
Damon received credit for the two days already served. He was fined $300 on one count, plus $160 in court fees. He was fined $200 on the second count.
The total amount ordered was $660. Damon was also placed on supervised probation for one year.
He was ordered not to drink or use drugs. He also cannot contact one of the victims.
Damon must complete cognitive skill training. He must also follow cognitive behavioral programming as directed.
The court also ordered Damon to complete a domestic abuse batterer’s intervention program. He must have no assaultive or abusive behavior.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.