Naytahwaush: Bellanger Faces Felony Domestic Assault
NAYTAHWAUSH, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Joshua Dean Bellanger faces a felony domestic assault charge in Mahnomen County.
Bellanger, 20, is charged in District Court file 44-CR-26-519.
The complaint alleges the assault happened on June 15, 2026, at a Naytahwaush residence.
Prosecutors filed the case by summons.
Woman Reports Being Pushed
Law enforcement responded to a disturbance the following day, according to the complaint.
The woman involved had already left the residence with a family member.
Investigators met with her at another location.
The complaint says she was crying and appeared upset while speaking with police.
She told investigators that she and Bellanger had been drinking before an argument began.
The woman allegedly saw a message from another woman on Bellanger’s phone.
She then told Bellanger she wanted to leave the residence.
Prosecutors allege Bellanger pushed her to the ground.
The complaint says she repeatedly tried to leave but was pushed down again.
She also alleged Bellanger prevented her from leaving until another person arrived.
A family member later arrived to pick her up.
That person allegedly witnessed Bellanger push the woman outside the residence.
The woman admitted hitting Bellanger during the encounter.
She told investigators she did so after Bellanger allegedly prevented her from leaving.
Bellanger Denies Blocking Woman
Police later contacted Bellanger about the allegations.
Bellanger denied preventing the woman from leaving, according to the complaint.
He told investigators that the woman had placed her hands on him.
No police officer names are included in this report.
Prior Cases Cited by Prosecutors
The felony charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.2242, subdivision 4.
That law can enhance domestic assault to a felony based on qualifying prior offenses.
The complaint cites three earlier Mahnomen County cases involving Bellanger.
Those include a harassment restraining order violation and a threats-of-violence conviction.
It also cites a juvenile adjudication for fifth-degree assault.
Prosecutors allege those prior cases satisfy the felony enhancement requirements.
A conviction can carry up to five years in prison.
A fine of up to $10,000 is also possible.
Those are maximum penalties and do not represent a sentence against Bellanger.
Charge Remains an Allegation
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Bellanger is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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