Fergus Falls Man Booked on Arson, Assault Charges
FERGUS FALLS (trfnews.i234.me) — Joel Gualberto Villota-Molina was booked into the Otter Tail County Jail on June 26, 2026.
Villota-Molina, 28, faces three felony charges under case number 002600000566.
The jail roster marked all three charges as active when the information was provided.
The charges involve first-degree arson and two separate assault allegations.
First-Degree Arson Allegation
The arson count cites Minnesota Statute 609.561.
The charge alleges intentional fire or explosive damage to a building used as a dwelling.
The law applies whether an occupant was present at the time or not.
The supplied jail record does not identify the building or its location.
It also does not describe the reported damage or state whether anyone was inside.
First-Degree Assault Charge
A second felony count alleges first-degree assault causing great bodily harm.
Minnesota Statute 609.221 covers that offense.
Minnesota law uses that term for the most serious categories of bodily injury.
The booking record does not identify the alleged victim.
It also does not describe the reported injury or any medical treatment.
No weapon, motive, or incident details appeared in the supplied information.
Fourth-Degree Assault Allegation
The third felony charge involves an alleged assault against a peace officer.
The entry alleges bodily fluids or feces were thrown or transferred onto an officer.
The record does not identify the officer or describe the alleged substance.
It also does not explain when or where that reported conduct occurred.
The count cites Minnesota Statute 609.2231.
Possible Penalties
First-degree arson involving a dwelling can bring up to 20 years in prison.
The law also permits a fine of up to $20,000.
First-degree assault causing great bodily harm can bring up to 20 years.
That charge can also carry a fine of up to $30,000.
The fourth-degree assault count can bring up to three years in prison.
It can also carry a fine of up to $6,000.
These are maximum penalties and do not predict the case outcome.
Court and Custody Information
The Otter Tail County Jail is located in Fergus Falls.
Otter Tail County District Court is also located in Fergus Falls.
The supplied record does not list bail, a release date, or a court hearing.
Public updates may appear through Minnesota Court Records Online.
Charges Remain Allegations
A jail booking records custody and charges listed at that time.
It does not establish guilt or prove that any offense occurred.
Villota-Molina is presumed innocent unless the allegations are proven in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.