Twin Valley: Stodola Faces Felony Assault Charge

TWIN VALLEY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Michael James Dion Stodola faces felony and misdemeanor assault charges after a reported fight.

Stodola, 23, is charged in Norman County District Court file 54-CR-26-270.

The charges stem from an alleged Sept. 2, 2026, fight in Twin Valley.

Prosecutors filed third-degree and fifth-degree assault charges.

Fight Reported at Twin Valley Home

The complaint says law enforcement responded to a report of an active fight.

Dispatch advised that one person believed his jaw may have been broken.

Police arrived and spoke with a man who said several people had been drinking together.

The man reported that Dustin Lopez arrived and began starting a confrontation.

A fight then broke out, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors allege Stodola punched the man in the face during the fight.

Michael James Dion Stodola | Booking photo

No police officer names are included in this report.

Witness Describes Chokehold and Punches

A witness told investigators that Lopez allegedly struck a woman before the larger fight began.

The injured man then confronted Lopez about the alleged assault.

The witness said Lopez and Stodola brought the man to the ground.

Stodola allegedly punched the man while he was being held down.

The complaint also says another woman tried to break up the fight.

She reported being struck during the disturbance.

A second witness also told investigators she was hit during the fight.

Loose Tooth Reported After Assault

Emergency medical workers treated the injured man at the scene.

The complaint says one lower tooth was loose and partially out of its socket.

The man was transported by ambulance to a hospital for further treatment.

Prosecutors cite that injury as substantial bodily harm supporting the felony count.

Stodola and Lopez had left before officers arrived, according to the complaint.

Police were unable to locate them at the scene.

Third-Degree Assault Charge

Count One charges Stodola under Minnesota Statute 609.223.

The law covers assault that causes substantial bodily harm.

A conviction can carry up to five years in prison.

A fine of up to $10,000 is also possible.

Count Two alleges fifth-degree assault under Minnesota Statute 609.224.

The misdemeanor count carries up to 90 days in jail.

A fine of up to $1,000 is also possible.

These are maximum penalties and do not represent a sentence against Stodola.

Charges Remain Allegations

The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

Stodola is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was filed with a warrant.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Norman County information is available through the official county website.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.