Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A disturbing robbery case has surfaced in Bemidji, Minnesota, where Verna Fairbanks and Daniel Laduke are both facing serious felony charges connected to an assault and theft.
According to the statement of probable cause, on March 3rd, a Bemidji police sergeant met with a male victim who reported that earlier in the day, he had met Fairbanks at the New Day Center. She later invited him to her apartment, where Laduke was also present.
Once inside, tensions escalated when Fairbanks suddenly punched the victim in the face with a closed fist. The violence didn’t stop there—both Fairbanks and Laduke then dug through his pockets, stealing his cell phone and wallet.
The sergeant observed a large purple lump on the victim’s left eye and forehead, consistent with his account of the assault.
Authorities have now charged Fairbanks with felony simple robbery, while Laduke faces two felony charges: aiding and abetting simple robbery, as well as theft.
This shocking crime has left the community on edge as the legal process unfolds.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News