Prosecutors allege Patterson frightened and assaulted his domestic partner during an August 21 confrontation in Bemidji.<\/p>\n
The incident was reported behind the library, according to the criminal complaint.<\/p>\n
Police Respond to Yelling Report<\/h2>\n
Police responded after receiving a report of yelling behind the library.<\/p>\n
An officer found Patterson with a woman identified in court records as R.F.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported seeing a raised welt above R.F.’s right eye.<\/p>\n
R.F. initially declined to identify herself because she feared Patterson would become angry.<\/p>\n
She told police Patterson had punched her about one week earlier.<\/p>\n
R.F. also described another confrontation earlier on August 21.<\/p>\n
She said Patterson punched her before police arrived, but both left before officers made contact.<\/p>\n R.F. told investigators the later argument happened behind the library.<\/p>\n She alleged Patterson held her down and pressed his fingers into her neck.<\/p>\n Investigators reported seeing marks and bruising on her neck.<\/p>\n R.F. also said she injured a finger while blocking an alleged punch.<\/p>\n Police later located Patterson near National Bank of Commerce.<\/p>\n According to the complaint, Patterson acknowledged hitting R.F. earlier that day.<\/p>\n He also described the library confrontation as a scuffle.<\/p>\n Investigators said Patterson demonstrated a motion similar to pinning someone against a wall.<\/p>\n Police arrested Patterson and transported him to the Beltrami County Jail.<\/p>\n Patterson is charged under Minnesota Statute 609.2242<\/a>, subdivision 2.<\/p>\n The law makes a domestic assault a gross misdemeanor when a qualifying prior offense exists.<\/p>\n That prior qualified domestic violence-related offense must fall within the statutory ten-year period.<\/p>\n The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days and a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n The complaint excerpt provided does not identify which prior qualifying offense prosecutors rely upon.<\/p>\n It lists other criminal-history entries, but those are not described as the qualifying domestic violence offense.<\/p>\n The court file number is 04-CR-26-2012.<\/p>\n Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Patterson’s guilt.<\/p>\n Patterson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Clarence](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PATTERSON-CLARENCE-JESSE-JAMES.jpg\")
Neck Injuries Alleged<\/h2>\n
Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed<\/h2>\n