An Onamia woman has been charged with one count of felony domestic assault after incidents occurring on or about Aug. 15, 2026.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Mille Lacs County District Court, on Aug. 15 at approximately 10:57 a.m., a Mille Lacs Tribal Police Officer responded to a residence in Onamia for a domestic assault in progress. The complainant reported that the defendant, 21-year-old Vanessa La’Rein Smith, assaulted him.
Upon arrival, the victim reported that upon returning home from a Pow Wow with food for the defendant, the two began to argue. The victim reported that the defendant became angry and punched him three times in the head. The victim admitted he had pushed the defendant to the ground in self defense.
The responding officer did not observe any obvious signs of bruising or redness.
The defendant provided a statement, stating that she became angry the victim had gone to the Pow Wow without her. The defendant admitted she had become angry and thrown food at the victim who she then reported got in her face. She responded by pushing the victim who pushed her back. The defendant denied punching the victim and stated the victim did not strike her.
An officer completed the Mille Lacs County Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment Form with the victim who stated the defendant controlled day-to-day activities.
The defendant was previously convicted of Threats of Violence on March 1, 2024 and has an adjudication of delinquency from Feb. 10, 2022.
Count I, domestic assault, carries a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine, 5 years or both and is classified as a felony.
