Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) A Bemidji man now faces four gross misdemeanor charges in a child endangerment case. Court records identify the defendant as Phillip Duwayne Jones. The complaint was filed in Beltrami County District Court.
According to the complaint, the charges cover four children. The case lists the alleged conduct between July 9, 2025, and January 9, 2026. Prosecutors charged Jones under Minnesota Statute 609.378. Each count is listed as a gross misdemeanor.
Hospital Visit Led To Investigation
The complaint says the case began early on January 9, 2026. Authorities were called to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. A very young child, identified as C.J., was brought to the emergency room.
Court records say the child showed lethargic behavior. The complaint also says the child tested positive for marijuana. Medical staff reportedly found dried feces under the child’s diaper. The complaint says staff also saw bruising on the child’s arm.
Authorities later documented many more injuries, according to the complaint. Those injuries included bruises, scratches, bites, and abrasions. Records also said some injuries were in different stages of healing.
What The Complaint Alleges
The complaint says Fiona Fairbanks told investigators she was in a relationship with Jones. Court records say the pair share several children. The children named in the complaint are C.J., J.J., L.J., and P.J.
Investigators also went to the family’s residence on Nature Road, according to the complaint. Court records say Jones showed authorities where he kept marijuana. The complaint says it was stored in a drawer in the kitchen island.
The complaint also says Jones admitted smoking marijuana inside the home the week before. Fairbanks allegedly told investigators that marijuana gummies had been left out before. Court records say authorities then reviewed the other children for possible signs of harm.
Those evaluations reportedly found multiple injuries on all four children. The complaint says one child had about 20 injuries. Another had about 15 injuries. A third child had about 10 injuries.
Case Status
Jones is charged, but not convicted. The complaint contains allegations that must be tested in court. The case will move through the court process in Beltrami County.
Readers can review the charge details through Minnesota court records and state law. They can also find county court information through Beltrami County’s official website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
I bet anything these 2 parents are from Cass lake or 1 of the parents is those natives over there are always abusing or killing their kids or each other worst rez and area to be around or even live close to in Minnesota thats a fact