BECKER COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — An Audubon man has been sentenced on two gross misdemeanor charges after Becker County prosecutors said he interfered with a 911 call and obstructed officers during an August domestic incident.
Court records show Cassidy Lee Johnson, 40, of Audubon, was sentenced after reaching a plea deal. A felony threat of violence charge and a misdemeanor domestic assault charge were dismissed as part of the agreement.
According to the criminal complaint, the case began on August 20. Johnson was allegedly intoxicated when he assaulted a former romantic partner inside a home. The woman later told officers that Johnson threatened to kill her several times during the incident.
She attempted to call 911. Johnson allegedly grabbed her phone and stopped her from making the call. He reportedly punched her in the face during the struggle. The complaint states she feared for her safety.
Deputies soon reached the scene and spoke with Johnson. He denied any assault and denied taking the phone. When officers attempted to arrest him, Johnson tried to kick one of them. Records also say he made several violent threats toward one of the arresting deputies.
Court records show Johnson has a previous felony domestic assault conviction from 2012. That conviction can influence charging decisions in newer cases.
On November 3, Becker County District Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Johnson to 364 days in jail. The judge stayed 349 days for two years and gave Johnson credit for two days served. He must serve 15 days behind bars.
Johnson was also fined $900 plus $160 in court fees. He was ordered to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. The judge directed him to complete a chemical assessment, cognitive skills training, and domestic abuse treatment. He must also follow all aftercare recommendations.
Johnson will remain on supervised probation for two years. Anyone seeking information about Minnesota domestic abuse resources can visit
the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
