Olivia man sentenced in Renville County Court for felony-level domestic assault

An Olivia man, Luciano Lepke Martin, age 45, was found guilty last Friday in Renville County Court of felony-level assaults that occurred last May.

According to the criminal complaint and testimony at trial, Martin was living with the victim in Olivia after moving with her from Litchfield. An argument broke out and Martin attacked the victim in the bedroom of the residence, hitting her on the head and yelling at her.

Court documents state the victim attempted to leave the residence to call law enforcement, but was stopped by Martin holding a kitchen knife. Martin again continuously hit the victim on the head while holding the knife. The victim needed to reach out to a friend via Facebook Messenger for law enforcement to be contacted. When law enforcement arrived, Martin gave a false name and date of birth to hide his identity.

Martin has at least seven prior convictions for domestic violence-related offenses in his past including domestic assault, threats of violence, stalking with intent to injure, domestic assault strangulation, and inferring with 911 calls. Martin also has two pending files in Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties for domestic assault and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Renville County Attorney Kelsie Kingstrom was the prosecutor in the case. She stated, “Domestic violence is more prevalent in our community than many people realize. Any victims of domestic violence are encouraged to reach out to law enforcement or Safe Avenues in Olivia to seek assistance or guidance. Being abused in the past does not give grounds for being abused in the present.”

Martin will be sentenced on Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Renville County Courthouse. He faces up to 39-54 months in prison.