Twin Cities man to appear on domestic assault charges

Nov. 22--WORTHINGTON -- After being summoned to Nobles County last week, a Twin Cities-area resident is scheduled for a court appearance Monday on a September domestic assault case.

A Sept. 13 distress call brought law enforcement to a Worthington residence where it was learned that Phillip Sam, 35, of Coon Rapids had threatened suicide to "get a rise out of" a household member. Law enforcement later learned that Sam had active arrest warrants and brought him into police custody.

The next day, the household member called back and stated that they felt safe now that Sam was incarcerated, and then gave an account of what they said happened the previous night. The victim said Sam had punched them in the face, dragged them to the bedroom and choked them until they passed out. The officer noted that the victim had a swollen cheek and scratches on the neck and chest.

Sam had been taken to Kandiyohi County Jail on an arrest warrant, so an officer spoke with him over the jail phone. Sam claimed that the victim had started the physical altercation and admitted to having punched a hole in the wall.

Sam was charged with both felony and misdemeanor domestic assault. The felony charge carries a maximum possible sentence of three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine, but if he's convicted, actual sentencing will be based on criminal history.

He was summoned to appear in Nobles County District Court Monday on these charges.

The Southwest Crisis Center is available in our community to support and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence. For questions about services or how you can help, contact the Southwest Crisis Center at 1-800-376-4311 or mnswcc.org.

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