NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Wade Backstrom
218-726-2323 or backstromw@stlouiscountymn.gov
Gideon Joseph Martin sentenced
Court file #69DU-CR-25-1689
Today, the Honorable Shawn B. Reed sentenced Gideon Joseph Martin, 37, to 189 months in prison for First-Degree Assault, announced County Attorney Kim Maki. The sentence is the maximum sentence allowed for the offense under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Martin was also convicted at his February 26 jury trial of Obstructing Legal Process, Fourth-Degree Assault, and Fleeing a Peace Officer. By law, any sentences on those counts run concurrent with the sentence for First-Degree Assault.
On May 26, 2025, law enforcement responded to a residence on Hermantown Road on the report of an unwanted male at the property. Law enforcement contacted the unwanted male, Mr. Martin, who admitted he went through a shed on the property to retrieve a towel for his bleeding foot.
Law enforcement proceeded to ask Mr. Martin about a burglary occurring in the area; however, the officers released Mr. Martin when they determined there was insufficient evidence to arrest him for the burglary. A St. Louis County Deputy offered to drive Mr. Martin to a different location out of kindness.
After arriving at the location, Mr. Martin became agitated, climbed on top of the deputy, and choked him from behind. The deputy nearly lost consciousness. Mr. Martin ran away and climbed a nearby tree where he stayed for four hours until he came down and was placed under arrest.
“The sentence imposed on Mr. Martin sends a clear message that violent and unlawful behavior will be met with serious consequences,” Maki said. “My office remains committed to protecting the community, supporting victims, and upholding the law. Most importantly, we will not tolerate assaultive behavior against those who are sworn to protect the public.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Kirstyn Oye.
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