Bemidji Man Faces Felony Domestic Assault Charge

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces three charges tied to a January 2024 fight at an apartment.

Jeremiah Lloyd Neal is charged with felony domestic assault.

He also faces a gross misdemeanor child protection charge and misdemeanor fifth-degree assault.

The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court.

Police Respond to Assault Report

According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a Bemidji apartment around 12:45 p.m. on January 12, 2024.

Officers found J.E. and J.W. with swollen eyes, court records state.

J.E. told investigators she and Neal share a young child.

The complaint says an argument had developed over who would be around the child.

Surveillance video later became a key part of the investigation.

Prosecutors say the video showed J.W. answering the apartment door.

Neal then allegedly punched J.W. in the face.

The two men continued fighting, according to the complaint.

J.E. attempted to intervene during the confrontation.

The video allegedly showed Neal punch J.E. in the face.

After that punch, J.W. stabbed Neal with a knife, according to court records.

Neal later spoke with investigators about the confrontation.

The complaint says Neal admitted punching J.W. four or five times.

He also allegedly admitted punching J.E.

Neal reportedly said he threw the first punch because he was angry about J.W. being around his child.

The child was later placed on a temporary protective hold, according to the complaint.

The felony domestic assault charge relies on two prior qualifying juvenile adjudications listed in the complaint.

Both involved fifth-degree assault offenses from 2018.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of five years for the felony domestic assault count.

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

The child protection charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.

The fifth-degree assault count carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.

The state’s fifth-degree assault law is also available online.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Beltrami County court file number 04-CR-25-2222.

The charges and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Neal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.