Felony Charges Filed Across Northwest Minnesota
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities across multiple counties have filed a series of new felony-level charges in recent weeks. The cases span from Beltrami to Otter Tail County and involve alleged incidents of harassment, fleeing police, and domestic violence.
In Beltrami County, Leriyah Leigh Varney of Bemidji has been charged with felony harassment for violating a restraining order. Court documents allege that on October 22, Varney caused a disturbance at the home of a woman who has an active restraining order against him.
In Cass County, Joseph Dean Fairbanks of Cass Lake faces felony fleeing and gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation charges. Authorities say he allegedly fled a traffic stop that began over an expired registration tab.
In Hubbard County, Juan Donovan Halverson of Laporte has been charged with felony fleeing in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor fleeing on foot. On October 16, police say he fled a traffic stop in Bemidji for an obstructed license plate, reaching speeds of up to 115 miles per hour before officers performed a pit maneuver. Halverson then allegedly attempted to flee on foot.
Also in Hubbard County, John Charles Ferguson III of Park Rapids faces felony domestic assault by strangulation and misdemeanor domestic assault. The victim told investigators that Ferguson allegedly punched her and knelt on her neck during the incident.
In Mahnomen County, Lyman Ray Weaver of Naytahwaush has been charged with two felonies — domestic assault and assault causing substantial bodily harm. Court records indicate that on October 12, Weaver allegedly assaulted a teenager, causing significant injury.
Finally, in Otter Tail County, Isaiah Lawrence Northington of Fergus Falls has been charged with felony assault and two counts of gross misdemeanor domestic assault. According to the complaint, Northington allegedly threatened a woman with a knife and struck her multiple times.
Each of these cases remains active in the district court. TRF News will continue to follow updates as they progress through the legal system.
For public court record searches, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
