Becker County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Tabashish Anamiki Ogitchida, formerly known as Benjamin James Bellanger, 47, of rural Ogema, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony first-degree property damage.
On October 16, 2022, a White Earth police officer responded to a disturbance at a White Earth residence. The complaint involved Ogitchida smashing the windows of his brother’s 2005 Ford F350. The owner had parked the truck at their mother’s residence earlier that day.
Evidence included a Facebook post from Ogitchida’s account, showing him admitting to and boasting about the damage. The truck sustained damage to three windows, a mirror, and a turn signal, with glass and parts scattered around the area. Estimated repair costs exceeded $1,000, qualifying the incident as a felony.
Upon arrival, officers found Ogitchida inside the residence with a hand injury and a strong odor of alcohol. He was alone at the time of the incident.
On April 8, District Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Ogitchida to 19 months in prison at St. Cloud, which was stayed for five years. He served 85 days in jail with credit for time served and was fined $575. Additionally, Ogitchida was ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs, complete a comprehensive assessment, and follow all recommendations, including aftercare. He was placed on supervised probation for five years.