Felony Charge Filed in Polk County<\/h2>\n
According to a criminal complaint filed in Polk County District Court, Zechariah Frank Demery, born October 5, 2003, is charged with domestic assault by strangulation.<\/p>\n
The charge is a felony under Minnesota law. The complaint lists a maximum possible sentence of up to three years in prison, a $3,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
The allegations involve an incident reported on June 23, 2026, at a residence on Mars Drive in East Grand Forks.<\/p>\n
Authorities say the complaint was filed after an investigation into a reported domestic disturbance. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
![\"Zechariah](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/DEMERY-ZECHARIAH-FRANK.jpg\")
Mugshot of Zechariah Frank Demery, provided as part of the court record.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nComplaint Details Alleged<\/h2>\n
The complaint states that the alleged victim, identified as R.J., told investigators she had been staying with Demery and their two children.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, an argument began inside the residence. The complaint alleges that Demery assaulted R.J. and restricted her breathing by choking her.<\/p>\n
The complaint states R.J. later reported additional contact during the incident that caused difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported observing marks and injuries that included redness near the victim\u2019s ears, a welt near her shoulder and neck area, and a bruise on her knee.<\/p>\n
The complaint states R.J. was taken to Altru Health System<\/a> for treatment.<\/p>\n Demery was arrested and booked into the Northwest Regional Corrections Center<\/a>, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n The complaint states that Demery denied that a physical altercation occurred.<\/p>\n Officials reported that witnesses heard arguing but did not report seeing the alleged physical incident.<\/p>\n A review of court records listed in the complaint shows Demery has no prior criminal convictions in Minnesota.<\/p>\n The complaint also lists previous North Dakota convictions, including driving under the influence, terrorizing an adult victim, and violation of an order prohibiting contact.<\/p>\n The case remains pending in Polk County District Court.<\/p>\n For more Minnesota court information, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch website<\/a>.<\/p>\nDefendant Taken Into Custody<\/h2>\n
Previous Court History Listed<\/h2>\n