Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland, known for his appearances on shows like Top Chef, Fast Foodies, and Taste the Culture, as well as his affiliation with several Twin Cities restaurants, has been sentenced to probation and electronic home monitoring following domestic violence charges.
Sentencing Details
On Friday, Sutherland was sentenced in Ramsey County Court to two months of electronic home monitoring and two years of probation. According to court records, the 40-year-old chef pleaded guilty to charges of threats of violence and violating a domestic abuse no-contact order stemming from incidents earlier this year.
The court also imposed a stayed sentence of one year in jail, meaning Sutherland could face time behind bars if he fails to comply with the terms of his probation. In addition, he must complete anger management courses and participate in domestic violence programming. Sutherland is prohibited from possessing firearms during his probationary period.
Background on the Case
The charges against Sutherland stem from two separate incidents over the summer. According to a criminal complaint, St. Paul police responded to reports of a man with a gun on the 800 block of Front Avenue around 8 p.m. on June 28, 2024.
A woman involved in the incident told police that Sutherland had threatened to shoot her, struck her in the chest with the weapon, and choked her during a dispute. While officers determined he did not have a weapon in his possession at the time, the allegations were deemed credible, leading to charges of domestic assault and violent threats.
In October, shortly after pleading guilty to the June charges, Sutherland was arrested again for violating a no-contact order. Court records indicate that an off-duty police officer spotted him at the Midway Target in St. Paul with a woman he was legally prohibited from contacting. Officers confirmed the violation and arrested Sutherland at a nearby store.
A Tarnished Reputation
Sutherland’s legal troubles are a stark contrast to his celebrated public persona. The chef has built a prominent career in the Twin Cities food scene, opening popular establishments such as Northern Soul and Big E Sandwich Shop. He is also credited with helping launch the well-known Handsome Hog restaurant in St. Paul.
In 2022, Sutherland made headlines for surviving a boating accident that left him with serious injuries, a story that highlighted his resilience and won public sympathy. However, the recent charges raise questions about accountability, especially as they involve domestic violence—an issue that disproportionately affects Black women and families in our community.
Why It Matters
Domestic violence isn’t just a private matter—it’s a systemic issue that requires accountability and a community-wide effort to support survivors. Sutherland’s case is a reminder that public figures, no matter how celebrated, must answer for their actions. It also underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence in our community through education, resources, and justice.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, resources are available. Contact the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111 for confidential support.
Credit: Reporting from FOX 9 and Ramsey County Court records contributed to this story.