Naytahwaush Man Faces Felony Domestic Assault Charge

Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — Joshua Dean Bellanger, 20, of Naytahwaush, faces three charges after a June 30 disturbance.

The complaint lists felony domestic assault, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and underage alcohol consumption.

The allegations appear in a complaint filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Bellanger is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Authorities Respond to Disturbance

Authorities were called around 8:48 p.m. to a Naytahwaush residence.

A caller reported Bellanger was dragging and striking his girlfriend inside the home.

The complaint says Bellanger later admitted grabbing the woman’s arms.

He allegedly said he pulled her toward the residence.

Bellanger reportedly said he acted after she argued with people outside.

Joshua Dean Bellanger

An officer reviewed a witness video recorded during the disturbance.

The video allegedly showed Bellanger grab the woman by both arms.

It then showed him push her toward the residence, according to the complaint.

The woman began moving away before Bellanger allegedly shoved her in the back.

The woman first denied that anything physical happened.

She later said Bellanger shoved her, but she did not feel threatened.

The complaint also says alcohol was involved during the gathering.

Authorities said Bellanger continued yelling while officers investigated the report.

Several neighbors reportedly came outside because of the noise.

The complaint says Bellanger took a preliminary breath test.

The reported result was 0.061.

Bellanger was under 21 when the incident occurred.

Prosecutors charged Bellanger under Minnesota’s domestic assault law.

The charge alleges prior qualifying domestic violence-related cases within ten years.

The complaint cites three earlier court matters supporting the enhanced felony charge.

If convicted, the felony charge carries up to five years in prison.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.

The disorderly conduct charge carries up to 90 days in jail.

It also carries a possible fine of up to $1,000.

The underage consumption charge has the same maximum misdemeanor penalty.

Public case information may be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.