St. Paul, Minnesota – Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland is facing criminal charges after being accused of threatening his girlfriend with a gun and allegedly strangling her, as stated in court documents.
Sutherland, a former contestant on “Top Chef,” was arrested by the police in St. Paul and charged with one count of felony threats of violence—reckless disregard risk, according to a statement of probable cause.
The victim reported to the authorities that Sutherland pointed a gun at her, struck her with it, and threatened to shoot her if she returned to the residence. Additionally, she claimed that Sutherland briefly strangled her during the incident.
Although Sutherland denied the allegations of violence, the victim’s account of the events has led to a formal charge being filed against him after his court appearance.
Sutherland’s attorney has refuted the allegations, claiming that they are “riddled with falsehoods” and emphasizing that his client denies all the accusations made against him. The attorney suggested that the accusations arose due to the relationship’s deteriorating state.
Known for establishing popular restaurants in the Twin Cities, such as Handsome Hog, Big E, and Gray Duck Tavern, Sutherland has been an influential figure in the culinary scene.
Despite these legal challenges, Sutherland had announced plans to open new dining establishments in the region in the coming fall, showcasing his resilience amid the controversy surrounding him.
In cases of domestic violence, individuals are encouraged to seek support from resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides confidential assistance 24/7 in multiple languages.