Ex-Cottage Grove councilman charged with domestic assault
A former Cottage Grove councilman has been charged with domestic assault for allegedly head-butting and punching his wife in the face.
According to a criminal complaint, Derrick Lehrke assaulted his wife, Autumn, while she was holding their infant son during an argument Thursday morning at the couple's Cottage Grove home. The complaint says Autumn Lehrke called police and the responding officers reported her face was swollen and puffy, and her eyes were red.
Autumn Lehrke, a former Washington County Commissioner, issued a statement Tuesday saying she doesn't agree with the misdemeanor charge and believes the criminal complaint is inaccurate.
Cottage Grove Police Sgt. Randy McAlister tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press that a victim's consent isn't required to prosecute domestic violence cases. He says sometimes victims are afraid to cooperate.
It wasn't immediately known if Derrick Lehrke has an attorney yet.
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