Bemidji Man Charged After Assault Report Behind Library

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Clarence Jesse James Patterson faces a gross misdemeanor domestic assault charge in Beltrami County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Patterson frightened and assaulted his domestic partner during an August 21 confrontation in Bemidji.

The incident was reported behind the library, according to the criminal complaint.

Police Respond to Yelling Report

Police responded after receiving a report of yelling behind the library.

An officer found Patterson with a woman identified in court records as R.F.

Investigators reported seeing a raised welt above R.F.’s right eye.

R.F. initially declined to identify herself because she feared Patterson would become angry.

She told police Patterson had punched her about one week earlier.

R.F. also described another confrontation earlier on August 21.

She said Patterson punched her before police arrived, but both left before officers made contact.

R.F. told investigators the later argument happened behind the library.

She alleged Patterson held her down and pressed his fingers into her neck.

Investigators reported seeing marks and bruising on her neck.

R.F. also said she injured a finger while blocking an alleged punch.

Police later located Patterson near National Bank of Commerce.

According to the complaint, Patterson acknowledged hitting R.F. earlier that day.

He also described the library confrontation as a scuffle.

Investigators said Patterson demonstrated a motion similar to pinning someone against a wall.

Police arrested Patterson and transported him to the Beltrami County Jail.

Patterson is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.2242, subdivision 2.

The law makes a domestic assault a gross misdemeanor when a qualifying prior offense exists.

That prior qualified domestic violence-related offense must fall within the statutory ten-year period.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.

The complaint excerpt provided does not identify which prior qualifying offense prosecutors rely upon.

It lists other criminal-history entries, but those are not described as the qualifying domestic violence offense.

The court file number is 04-CR-26-2012.

Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Patterson’s guilt.

Patterson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.