Crookston, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Warroad man is charged with four felony counts in Polk County. His name is Carlos Martinez Jr.
Court records say Martinez is accused of violating a harassment restraining order. The order barred him from contacting a woman, according to the complaint.
Charges and alleged contacts
Prosecutors filed the case in Polk County District Court in Crookston. The complaint lists four felony counts for alleged restraining order violations.
Records say Martinez pleaded guilty to harassment in an earlier Polk County case. He was placed on probation after that plea, court records say.
Probation is a form of court supervision. It can include strict rules and regular check-ins. The complaint says one rule was no contact with the woman.
Court documents say the new claims involve text messages. The texts were sent from Dec. 11 through Dec. 14. The messages reportedly focused on child support and a child.
The complaint says the restraining order banned direct contact. It also says probation terms required no contact with the woman. Investigators say the messages broke both sets of rules.
The filing alleges four separate violations over those four days. The complaint treats each alleged contact as a separate count.
Court records do not list the woman’s name. TRF News is not naming her.
Background on harassment restraining orders
These orders are issued by a district court judge. They can limit calls, texts, and online messages. They can also set distance rules.
In Minnesota, these orders are governed by Minnesota Statutes 609.748. The Minnesota Judicial Branch explains the process. The courts also provide harassment restraining order forms.
Those resources describe the rules and the steps. They do not address this specific case.
What happens next
Martinez has not been convicted of the new charges. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. He is presumed innocent in court.
If he is found guilty, penalties can include prison time. Sentencing depends on the facts and his record. Future hearings will take place in Crookston.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.