Bemidji Woman Charged in Alleged Assault on Sister

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Lacey Jayne Benais faces a gross misdemeanor domestic assault charge in Beltrami County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Benais assaulted her sister during an incident in Bemidji on August 19, 2026.

The complaint says Benais struck her sister with a phone during a dispute.

The charge carries up to 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Police Respond to Assault Report

Law enforcement responded to a Pine Ridge Avenue address after receiving an assault report.

Officers had encountered Benais earlier that day, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint says authorities believed Benais appeared intoxicated during that earlier contact.

She was left in the care of another person at the residence.

Police later returned after receiving the reported assault call.

A witness told authorities that Benais had punched her sister, identified as N.B.

Investigators then spoke with N.B. about what happened.

The complaint says N.B. had visible bruising and swelling on her face.

N.B. reported that Benais struck her with a phone.

She said the incident happened while she tried to stop Benais from leaving.

Authorities searched the surrounding area after Benais left the residence.

Officers located her about 100 yards away, according to court records.

Benais was reportedly barefoot and carrying her child.

The complaint says officers believed she was highly intoxicated.

Authorities also reported concerns about her ability to safely hold the child.

Benais was arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail.

The complaint does not identify any additional charges involving the child.

Prosecutors charged Benais under Minnesota Statute 609.2242.

The law covers assaults against family or household members.

It includes conduct intended to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death.

The complaint alleges Benais has a prior qualifying domestic violence-related conviction within ten years.

That allegation raises the current charge to a gross misdemeanor.

The maximum punishment is 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

The case is State of Minnesota v. Lacey Jayne Benais.

The court file number is 04-CR-26-1962 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The complaint contains allegations and does not establish Benais’ guilt.

Benais is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.