Fergus Falls Man Faces 4 Charges After Domestic Incident

Fergus Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — John Jason Ressler faces four charges after an alleged domestic incident in Otter Tail County.

The charges include child endangerment and three misdemeanor domestic assault counts.

The allegations stem from an incident reported on July 23, 2026.

The case is filed in Otter Tail County District Court as 56-CR-26-1801.

Police Respond to West Fir Avenue

Fergus Falls police were called to a West Fir Avenue residence at about 9:51 p.m.

Officers responded after receiving a report of a domestic assault.

At the residence, investigators spoke with Ressler’s wife about what had happened.

She said she was in the basement with Ressler and their six-year-old son.

According to the complaint, a physical confrontation began while the family was downstairs.

Ressler’s wife alleged that he pulled her hair and punched the back of her head.

She also alleged that Ressler tried to punch her a second time.

That punch allegedly missed her and struck the six-year-old child in the face.

The complaint does not identify the child by name.

TRF News is withholding identifying details because the child is a minor.

Prosecutors charged Ressler with one gross misdemeanor count of child endangerment.

The count alleges he recklessly placed a child in a situation likely to cause substantial harm.

The complaint lists a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Minnesota Statute 609.378 addresses neglect and endangerment of children.

Ressler also faces three misdemeanor domestic assault counts.

Two counts allege bodily harm or attempted bodily harm against a family or household member.

Another count alleges an act intended to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death.

The complaint lists up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for each misdemeanor.

Minnesota Statute 609.2242 covers domestic assault involving family or household members.

The court filing includes an order of detention.

Public case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Ressler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.