'Top Chef' star Justin Sutherland was once arrested for 'criminal threats'
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA: Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland is facing legal action after he reportedly threatened his girlfriend with a firearm. Days after police responded to a complaint about a man with a gun, the 'Fast Foodies' star was charged with criminal threats of violence in Minnesota's Ramsey County District Court on July 1, PEOPLE confirmed.
A criminal complaint obtained by the local NBC affiliate KARE 11 states that on Friday, June 28, a woman reported to the police that Justin Sutherland had brandished a pistol at her. The chef allegedly threatened to shoot her if she returned and struck her in the chest with the firearm. The woman also claimed in the complaint that Justin wrapped his hands around her neck and said, "I want you dead."
'Top Chef' star Justin Sutherland denies physically assaulting his girlfriend
Justin's lawyer, John Daly, claimed in a statement to PEOPLE that the criminal case is "riddled with falsehoods."
On Monday, July 1, he told the publication, "Mr Sutherland vehemently denies all the allegations in the complaint. He never threatened to shoot anyone. He did not physically assault his girlfriend. He looks forward to the truth coming out as the court process unfolds."
The prosecution complaint claims that Justin and the victim got into a fight because they were no longer attending a music festival, but the chef's lawyer disputes this. John stated, "The relationship was coming to an end," about the purported cause of the woman's accusations.
'Top Chef' star Justin Sutherland released from prison
According to the Star Tribune, Justin was released on his recognizance following his Monday court appearance. He was also given a 24-hour deadline to surrender any firearms he may own to the authorities. His next court date is scheduled for August 16.
'Top Chef' star Justin Sutherland planning to open a restaurant in Minneapolis
Before joining TruTV as co-host of 'Fast Foodies', appeared on television numerous times, including as a competitor on Season 16 of 'Top Chef' in 2019 and as the winner of an 'Iron ChefAmerica episode.
He declared earlier in the year that Pearl & the Thief would debut in Minneapolis' Mill District.
