Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) – A Detroit Lakes man has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony domestic assault by strangulation.
According to court records, 36-year-old Christopher Lee Peake pleaded guilty to one felony count of domestic assault by strangulation as part of a plea agreement. A second felony charge was dismissed.
The charges stemmed from two days of violent incidents in January 2024. On January 20, Peake’s significant other questioned him about cheating. In response, he allegedly placed both hands around her throat, choking her for eight to ten seconds until she could not breathe.
The following day, Peake allegedly struck the woman, then choked her multiple times. Court documents state that he used one hand to squeeze her throat for three to five seconds, causing her to lose breath and experience blurry vision. Later, he allegedly lifted her by the neck, choking her again until she could not breathe.
In a third incident that day, Peake allegedly placed both hands around her neck and said, “You’re gonna piss me off to the point I’m not going to stop.” This assault lasted longer, and the woman again experienced blurry vision. Authorities reported visible redness on her neck.
Peake was arrested on an unrelated burglary warrant. He has prior convictions, including misdemeanor domestic violence in 2010, felony domestic assault by strangulation in 2019, and a felony violation of a no-contact order the same year involving the same victim.
On July 28, District Court Judge Michelle W. Lawson sentenced Peake to 21 months in state prison at St. Cloud. The sentence was stayed for five years. He was ordered to serve 111 days in jail, with credit for time served, and pay $885 in fines and court fees.
Peake must comply with strict probation conditions, including substance abuse testing, a no-contact order, and treatment programs. He must also complete cognitive skills training and a domestic abuse batterer’s intervention program.
For resources on domestic violence support in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Christopher Lee Peake