PONSFORD, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—William Lawrence Butcher II, 38, of rural Ponsford, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for gross misdemeanor domestic assault following an incident in which he struck an 11-year-old family member and threatened to burn down a house. As part of a plea agreement, a felony charge of making violent threats was dropped.
Incident Details
📅 Date of Incident: May 18, 2024
📍 Location: Ponsford, MN
🚓 Responding Agencies: Becker County Sheriff’s Office, White Earth Police Department, Carsonville Fire Department
According to court records, a Becker County deputy responded to a report of an assault at a Ponsford residence. Upon arrival, witnesses stated that Butcher struck an 11-year-old boy on the left side of his head and later started a fire near the house, allegedly threatening to burn it down.
🔥 Fire Threat: Butcher ignited a large garbage pile dangerously close to the home. The Carsonville Fire Department was called to extinguish the flames, which had become large enough that residents had to splash water on the house to prevent it from catching fire.
🏃 Escape & Arrest: Butcher fled the scene on foot before deputies arrived. Authorities later arrested him on an unrelated probation violation warrant.
Victim & Witness Statements
👦 The 11-year-old victim told police that Butcher became angry after he picked up porcupine quills with his aunt. When he returned home, Butcher entered his room and struck him on the head unprovoked, causing blurred vision and dizziness.
👂 Witnesses at the home reported hearing the child screaming, followed by Butcher swearing and threatening to burn down the house.
🚑 Medical Attention: The child was taken to the emergency room for treatment.
Court Proceedings & Sentencing
📅 Sentencing Date: January 27, 2025
⚖️ Judge: District Court Judge Michelle W. Lawson
👨⚖️ Court: Becker County District Court
As part of the plea deal, Butcher pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor domestic assault, while the felony charge of making violent threats was dismissed.
Sentencing Details
- Jail Time: 364 days in Becker County Jail
- 309 days stayed for two years
- 55 days served (credited)
- Fines & Fees: $400 fine + $160 court fees
- Probation: Supervised for 2 years
- Conditions:
- No contact with the child
- No alcohol or drug use
- Completion of a domestic violence program
- Cognitive behavioral intervention as directed by probation
- Comprehensive assessment & compliance with a domestic abuse no-contact order
Legal Implications & Next Steps
While Butcher avoided a felony conviction, the strict probation conditions and mandatory intervention programs indicate the court’s commitment to preventing further offenses. Any violation of probation could result in the remaining 309 days of jail time being enforced.
📢 Stay updated as we continue to follow this case.
📝 I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me