A Franklin man, Michael Johnson, age 69, was found guilty in Renville County Court for a gross misdemeanor domestic assault that occurred in July, 2021.

According to court documents and testimony at trial, Johnson and his life partner were residing at the victim’s residence when an argument broke out over non-payment of rent. The victim testified that both Johnson and his life partner assaulted him, stating Johnson pushed him to the ground, choked him, punched him in the face, and attempted to kick him in the head.

Johnson also has a prior history of domestic assault. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before delivering the guilty verdict. Renville County Attorney Kelsie Kingstrom was the prosecutor in the case. Johnson will be sentenced on November 30, at 9:45 a.m. at the Renville County Courthouse.