Bemidji<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2014 A Bemidji man faces three charges tied to a January 2024 fight at an apartment.<\/p>\n Jeremiah Lloyd Neal is charged with felony domestic assault.<\/p>\n He also faces a gross misdemeanor child protection charge and misdemeanor fifth-degree assault.<\/p>\n The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court.<\/p>\n According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a Bemidji apartment around 12:45 p.m. on January 12, 2024.<\/p>\n Officers found J.E. and J.W. with swollen eyes, court records state.<\/p>\n J.E. told investigators she and Neal share a young child.<\/p>\n The complaint says an argument had developed over who would be around the child.<\/p>\n Surveillance video later became a key part of the investigation.<\/p>\n Prosecutors say the video showed J.W. answering the apartment door.<\/p>\n Neal then allegedly punched J.W. in the face.<\/p>\n The two men continued fighting, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n J.E. attempted to intervene during the confrontation.<\/p>\n The video allegedly showed Neal punch J.E. in the face.<\/p>\n After that punch, J.W. stabbed Neal with a knife, according to court records.<\/p>\n Neal later spoke with investigators about the confrontation.<\/p>\n The complaint says Neal admitted punching J.W. four or five times.<\/p>\n He also allegedly admitted punching J.E.<\/p>\n Neal reportedly said he threw the first punch because he was angry about J.W. being around his child.<\/p>\n The child was later placed on a temporary protective hold, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n The felony domestic assault charge relies on two prior qualifying juvenile adjudications listed in the complaint.<\/p>\n Both involved fifth-degree assault offenses from 2018.<\/p>\n The complaint lists a maximum sentence of five years for the felony domestic assault count.<\/p>\n It also lists a possible fine of up to $10,000.<\/p>\n The child protection charge carries up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n The fifth-degree assault count carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.<\/p>\n Readers can review Minnesota’s domestic assault statute<\/a>.<\/p>\n The state’s fifth-degree assault law<\/a> is also available online.<\/p>\n Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed under Beltrami County court file number 04-CR-25-2222.<\/p>\n The charges and supporting statements are allegations and do not establish guilt.<\/p>\n Neal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\nPolice Respond to Assault Report<\/h2>\n
Neal Allegedly Admits Throwing First Punch<\/h2>\n
Prior Adjudications Cited in Felony Count<\/h2>\n