Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland has been charged with a felony for allegedly threatening to shoot his girlfriend, according to Ramsey County prosecutors. The 39-year-old chef appeared in court on Monday and was released without bail, with an order to surrender his firearms. Sutherland’s attorney denies the allegations, stating that the criminal complaint is “riddled with false truths.”
The incident occurred on Friday night in St. Paul, where multiple 911 calls reported a man with a gun and a distressed woman. Sutherland’s girlfriend alleged that he choked her, smashed her phone, and pointed a gun at her. She also claimed that Sutherland had been verbally abusive and violent in the past.
Despite Sutherland denying the threats when speaking with investigators, the judge noted his clean record with only a past DWI conviction over 15 years ago. Sutherland is known for his work in several Twin Cities restaurants, appearances on popular cooking shows like “Top Chef,” and winning an Emmy for hosting his show “Taste the Culture.”
In light of this incident, Sutherland’s planned restaurant openings and partnership with the Rondo Community Land Trust have come into question. If anyone is in a dangerous situation with their partner, there is a 24-hour domestic violence hotline available in Minnesota for support.
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