Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mahnomen man faces a gross misdemeanor charge after a 911 call about threats.
James Douglas Sargent, 51, of Mahnomen, is charged with Domestic Assault — Gross Misdemeanor — Subsequent Violation.
What happened
According to the criminal complaint, deputies were sent at about 9:07 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2026.
The call came from the 2200 block of College Road in Mahnomen.
A deputy found Sargent and the caller in a hallway.
The deputy separated them right away.
The caller, listed as “Victim 1,” said Sargent threatened to kill them.
Victim 1 also said Sargent made motions like he would stab them.
Victim 1 told deputies they feared for their safety.
Victim 1 described Sargent as unstable.
Deputies interviewed Sargent at the scene.
The complaint says he admitted to making the threats during a verbal argument.
Sargent told deputies he was upset after a recent death in his family.
He said he did not mean to hurt Victim 1.
Why is the charge higher?
The complaint says the charge is higher because of a prior conviction.
Records cited in the filing list a 2023 case in Mahnomen County.
That case was for violating a harassment restraining order.
Prosecutors list it as a qualifying offense for the enhancement.
Court status
The case was charged by summons, not by an arrest warrant.
Judge Seamus P. Duffy authorized the summons and complaint on Jan. 30, 2026.
Alleged offense date: Jan. 23, 2026.
Date filed: Jan. 30, 2026.
If convicted, Sargent faces up to 364 days in jail.
He also faces up to a $3,000 fine.
A complaint is not proof of guilt.
Defendants are presumed innocent in court.
How to follow the case
Public updates may appear on Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
The law linked in the complaint is Minnesota Statute 609.2242.
Help and resources
If you are in danger, call 911.
For support, visit Minnesota Day One.
More help is listed at Violence Free Minnesota.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.