Walsh County (trfnews.i234.me) — In a stunning reversal, prosecutors have dismissed all charges against four members of the Iron Range Hells Angels Motorcycle Club who were facing serious allegations, including kidnapping, assault, and sexual assault.
The defendants—Jerand Paul French, 40, of Eveleth; Paul Anthony Debelak, 39, of Eveleth; Jake Douglas Novaczyk, 47, of Inver Grove Heights; and Eric Anthony Newman, 50, of Gilman, Wisconsin—were initially charged following a November 2023 incident in Eveleth. A man had reported being beaten and kidnapped by Hells Angels members, and a woman alleged she was sexually assaulted at the same location.
However, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office announced the dismissal of all charges, citing the victims’ unwillingness or inability to testify, which made it impossible to proceed with the case. Assistant County Attorney Chris Florey stated, “The State dismisses this case without prejudice based on the interests of justice. The victims are either unwilling or unable to testify at trial, and the State cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt without testimony from the victims.”
Defense attorneys had challenged the prosecution’s case, arguing that witness statements and forensic evidence did not support the allegations. They also accused investigators of overreaching and intimidating witnesses.
While three of the defendants have been released, Newman remains in custody due to a probation violation unrelated to this case.
Did you know? Case Facts:
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Defendants: Jerand Paul French, Paul Anthony Debelak, Jake Douglas Novaczyk, Eric Anthony Newman
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Original Charges: Kidnapping, false imprisonment, assault; Debelak and Newman also faced criminal sexual assault charges
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Incident Date: November 2023
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Location: Eveleth, Minnesota
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Reason for Dismissal: Victims unwilling or unable to testify, hindering the prosecution’s ability to prove the case
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Current Status: All charges dismissed without prejudice; Newman remains in custody on a separate probation violation
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.