Mahnomen: Jerry Belgarde Charged After Alleged Beating

MAHNOMEN (trfnews.i234.me) — Jerry Lawrence Belgarde faces a gross misdemeanor assault charge following a reported beating in Mahnomen County.

According to a criminal complaint, the alleged assault occurred on May 14, 2026.

The complaint identifies Belgarde, 48, as one of two people accused of attacking a man near an apartment.

The charge involves fifth-degree assault within three years of a previous qualifying domestic violence-related conviction.

The case was filed in Mahnomen County District Court under file number 44-CR-26-513.

Deputies Respond to Reported Fight

According to the complaint, authorities received a report of a possible fight around 8:35 p.m.

The reported incident occurred near 2235 College Road in Mahnomen County.

When a deputy arrived, a man was lying face down near the south side of a garage.

The man reported being beaten and requested an ambulance.

He identified Jerry Lawrence Belgarde and Elizabeth Ann Lafriniere-Bush as the people allegedly responsible.

Investigators also spoke with a juvenile witness who described seeing the alleged assault.

The witness reported seeing the man thrown onto his back and repeatedly punched.

According to the complaint, the witness also reported seeing a woman kick the man while he was on the ground.

Victim Describes Alleged Attack

The injured man was later interviewed at Mahnomen Health Center.

He told investigators he had visited Belgarde and Lafriniere-Bush before the reported assault.

The man said an argument or disagreement developed after he made a comment.

According to the complaint, Belgarde allegedly brought him outside near the apartment and attacked him.

The man also alleged Lafriniere-Bush kicked him in the ribs during the confrontation.

Investigators attempted to contact Belgarde and Lafriniere-Bush at their apartment but were unsuccessful.

The supplied complaint does not provide a medical diagnosis or describe the full extent of the man’s injuries.

Previous Conviction Cited in Complaint

Prosecutors cited a previous conviction involving Belgarde as part of the gross misdemeanor charge.

The complaint identifies an earlier conviction for violating an order for protection.

That matter is listed under court file number 44-CR-25-153.

The complaint also states an arrest warrant was active in the earlier case.

According to the document, the warrant concerned a missed probation violation hearing scheduled for December 8, 2025.

The current status of that earlier warrant was not established by the supplied complaint.

Possible Penalties Under Minnesota Law

Belgarde’s new charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.224, subdivision 2(b).

The law increases certain fifth-degree assault offenses to gross misdemeanors when qualifying prior convictions exist.

A conviction can carry up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $3,000.

These are maximum penalties, not a sentence imposed against Belgarde in this case.

The criminal complaint contains allegations that must be addressed through the legal process.

Belgarde is presumed innocent of the new charge unless proven guilty in court.

Mahnomen County Court Proceedings

The case is assigned to Mahnomen County District Court in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The complaint lists prosecutor file number 0440029881 and investigative control number 26000250.

No hearing date, plea, or final ruling was included in the supplied document.

Readers can visit the Mahnomen County District Court website for court information.

Public records may also be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Additional records would be needed to confirm the current case status or final outcome.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.