Damon was sentenced on two counts of misdemeanor assault. A felony charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon was dismissed under a plea agreement.<\/p>\n
The case stemmed from a reported disturbance on Jan. 1, 2026, on Balsom Avenue in Frazee. Court records say the call involved a knife and a dispute inside a residence.<\/p>\n
Dispute Reportedly Involved A Cat<\/h2>\n
According to court records, the argument began after an unvaccinated cat bit one of the men earlier that day. That led to a dispute about what should happen to the animal.<\/p>\n
One man told police Damon became upset and threatened to kill him. He said Damon pulled a knife on him and another man at the home.<\/p>\n
The second man told officers the group had gone through a similar issue before. He claimed Damon had previously tried to seriously harm him, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
While discussing the cat, the second man said the animal should be put down. Court records say Damon then allegedly grabbed a knife and made a threatening statement.<\/p>\n
![\"James](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/James-Allen-Damon.png\")
<\/p>\nJames Allen Damon<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Sentence Handed Down In Becker County<\/h2>\n
The first man said Damon threatened to stab him if he did not back up. He also said Damon was upset about a table and couch being thrown out.<\/p>\n
The second man said Damon pointed the knife at him. He said Damon claimed the cat came before anyone else.<\/p>\n
Damon told officers he was upset about the furniture. Court records say he also said the cat was more important to him than the men.<\/p>\n
Damon denied threatening one man with the knife. When asked about the other man, he replied, \u201cif he touched me,\u201d according to court records.<\/p>\n
Damon also told a Becker County deputy he was defending himself. He said no knife was used during the incident.<\/p>\n
Officers arrested Damon and photographed the knife. More information about Minnesota courts is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>. Becker County information is available through Becker County<\/a>.<\/p>\n On April 10, District Judge Michelle Lawson sentenced Damon to 45 days in jail. All but two days were stayed for one year.<\/p>\n Damon received credit for the two days already served. He was fined $300 on one count, plus $160 in court fees. He was fined $200 on the second count.<\/p>\n The total amount ordered was $660. Damon was also placed on supervised probation for one year.<\/p>\n He was ordered not to drink or use drugs. He also cannot contact one of the victims.<\/p>\n Damon must complete cognitive skill training. He must also follow cognitive behavioral programming as directed.<\/p>\n The court also ordered Damon to complete a domestic abuse batterer\u2019s intervention program. He must have no assaultive or abusive behavior.<\/p>\n