Anyeth Abdalla Deng, 27, Champlin, was found guilty on Thursday, May 2 of three counts of felony fourth-degree assault against a peace officer and one count of threats of violence by a Washington County jury after he assaulted two Washington County sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop in September 2021.
According to the criminal complaint, Deng was stopped for a covered license plate and other equipment violations on Frenchman Road in the city of Hugo. When deputies approached the vehicle, Deng was verbally confrontational and deputies detected the odor of marijuana. After stepping out of the vehicle, Deng refused to remove his hands from his pockets along with other orders. He became physically aggressive when the deputies attempted to place him in handcuffs and punched a deputy four times with a closed fist in the face and head. While the deputies were taking Deng to the ground to control him, a deputy received an injury to his head that resulted in bleeding. Deng continued to be combative after other officers arrived to assist in putting him in the squad car. He mule kicked, tried to bite a deputy, spat on both deputies, and damaged the vehicle. During the transport to jail, Deng made repeated graphic and violent threats against the second deputy and his family to be carried out once he was released the next day.
“During his testimony at trial, Deng displayed the same revolting disrespect for authority and the law that he demonstrated during the traffic stop that day,” said Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson.
“Deng’s unprovoked, abhorrent assaults on the sheriff’s deputies is far beyond anything law enforcement should have to endure while serving our community. The Washington County Sheriff Deputies are to be commended for their professionalism in bringing this incident to a safe and successful close. This office will do all in its power to hold Deng accountable for his conduct,” he added.
Deng is scheduled to appear at sentencing before Judge Brosnahan at 9:30 a.m. July 19. Assistant County Attorneys Keshini Ratnayake and Kayla Wengronowitz prosecuted the case.
In 2021, Deng was charged with felony fourth degree assault of a peace officer – demonstrable bodily harm, two counts of felony fourth degree assault of a peace officer – throws/transfer bodily fluids or feces at or onto officer, two counts of felony threats of violence – reckless disregard of risk, and felony 1st degree damage to property with value reduced over $1,000.