Sitting GOP Minnesota state representative was arrested in 2008 on domestic violence charges

Court records unearthed by the Minnesota Star Tribune revealed that Jeff Dotseth, a Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, was arrested after his ex-wife filed a police report claiming he had assaulted her.

“There were hurtful allegations made against me that I deny, including an affidavit I filed under oath under penalty of perjury,” Dotseth, who is up for reelection, said Monday in response. “Ultimately the charge was dismissed and I pled guilty to disorderly conduct. I now have a cordial relationship with my ex-wife, and have worked to put this difficult chapter of my life behind me.”

Following his arrest, a judge ordered Dotseth to cease contact with then-spouse Penny Kowel, and the judge forbade him from purchasing or using a gun and only permitted to see his daughter under supervision. Dotseth was then charged with domestic assault but pleaded down to a charge of disorderly conduct.

Dotseth ultimately did not serve any jail time but was forced to complete a “compassion workshop” by the court.


https://heartlandsignal.com/2024/09/20/sitting-gop-minnesota-state-representative-was-arrested-in-2008-on-domestic-violence-charges/