Oct 15, 2008 6:47 pm US/Central
More Serious Charges In Vulnerable Man's Beating
HASTINGS, Minn. (WCCO) ―
Additional charges were filed Wednesday against four people accused of beating a mentally disabled man, and Dakota County authorities plan on charging as an adult the 16-year-old girl whose claims allegedly touched off the attack.
According to the Dakota County Attorney, the mentally disabled victim, who has been identified as Justin Hamilton, was beaten and burned over the course of two days. According to charges, four men beat the man after Natasha Dahn said the 24-year-old victim assaulted her.
"She told her boyfriend she'd been assaulted previously by the victim which was not the case," said Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.
Court documents said the attack began after 21-year-old Jonathon Diepold and 19-year-old John Maniglia kidnapped Hamilton and took him to a rural road in southern Dakota County.
Diepold and Maniglia allegedly punched, kicked and struck Hamilton with tree branches for several hours the first night. The two demanded money or property from the victim, who offered to give them Xbox games.
"He had broken ribs, he had burns and abrasions, deep contusions all over his body and he was let go out in the middle of nowhere," said Backstrom.
The next night, Hamilton was again with Dahn, who he called "sister", in Northfield. A pickup with Diepold, Maniglia as well as 33-year-old Glen Ries and 21-year-old Timothy Ketterling pulled up and took the man to the same remote spot.
Court documents said during this time Hamilton was also bound to a tree with a belt and he was burned with a cigarette lighter and heated credit card. All the while, the men were allegedly being egged on by Dahn.
After that beating on the second night, Hamilton was able to make his way to the road where someone spotted him and took him to the Northfield Police Department. That's where he was able to give police a description of the pickup, and then he was taken to a hospital.
Diepold and Maniglia are both members of the National Guard. Diepold, Maniglia and Ries are from Northfield; Ketterling is from Prior Lake.
The Dakota County Attorney's Office initially charged each of the men with assault and false imprisonment, but on Wednesday added additional, more serious charges, including felony assault and felony false imprisonment. All but Ketterling were additionally charged with felony kidnapping.
A motion has been filed by Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom to try Dahn as an adult.
"These are shocking and deeply disturbing crimes," said Backstrom. "We intend to hold accountable those responsible for these violent acts."
Hamilton has some broken ribs but he is expected to be OK. His family released a statement Wednesday thanking people who have reached out to Hamilton while he is recovering.
"We wish to express our gratitude for all of the cards, letters, emails and well wishes for Justin's recovery. It has been a shock to think that anyone could harm another human being, one so trusting and innocent as our son and brother Justin," said the statement.
A fund has been set up for Hamilton to aid in his recovery and help recoup the losses from the items stolen. Donations can be made to the address below:
Wells Fargo Bank
For the benefit of Justin Charles Hamilton
16817 Duluth Avenue SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
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