Becker County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A White Earth man has been sentenced in Becker County District Court on gross misdemeanor charges of third-degree property damage and interfering with an emergency call.
Court records show that 33-year-old Thor Michael Smith faced additional charges, including felony domestic assault by strangulation and misdemeanor domestic assault. Those charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred on February 23 at a residence in Wabun. Investigators say Smith destroyed an $800 iPhone, broke a television, and interfered with a 911 call during a domestic altercation. The victim also reported being choked and threatened during the same incident, though those allegations were later dropped under the plea deal.
On September 24, Becker County District Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced Smith to 364 days in jail on both counts. Records note that 334 days were stayed for two years, leaving Smith to serve 30 days, with credit for four days already served. Jail officials authorized Huber work release under policy guidelines.
Smith was fined $200 for the property damage conviction, $300 for interfering with the 911 call, and ordered to pay $160 in court fees. He was also placed on supervised probation for two years. Conditions include no contact with the victim, no use of alcohol or drugs, random testing, and completion of cognitive skills training. Smith must also undergo mental health and domestic abuse evaluations and follow all recommendations.
According to court records, the sentences will run concurrently. Officials say the case highlights the serious consequences of interfering with emergency services during domestic disputes. More information on domestic abuse resources in Minnesota is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Thor Michael Smith