Bemidji, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Jessica Marie Michaud, 43, of Laporte, is facing two criminal charges after a custody dispute.
What the police say happened
Bemidji police opened an investigation after speaking with the child’s father.
That conversation occurred on February 18, 2026, according to the complaint.
Investigators say Michaud did not return a 6-year-old child to the father.
The father reported the child was not returned starting February 11, 2026.
Police say a tribal court order from April 2025 set the custody schedule.
That order reportedly named the father as the primary residential parent during the week.
It also reportedly gave Michaud parenting time after school.
Videos raised concerns
In a police statement, the father said he received videos from his adult daughter.
The videos allegedly showed Michaud with the child.
Police say Michaud was yelling while the child cried.
The child also pleaded to go back to the father, according to the report.
Police say Michaud also appeared confused during parts of the videos.
The report says she laughed at random times.
Those details raised concerns about her mental state, police said.
Contact with Michaud
Police say they later spoke with Michaud by phone.
Investigators say Michaud confirmed she was with the child in Cass Lake.
Police say she would not return the child at that time.
She allegedly said she wanted a new review of the custody order.
Charges and court details
Michaud is charged with felony deprivation of parental rights.
She is also charged with gross misdemeanor child endangerment.
Charges are allegations.
Her case lists an alleged offense date of February 11, 2026.
Court records show the charges were filed on February 20, 2026.
The complaint says she was charged by summons.
Helpful resources
Readers can review Minnesota’s law on depriving custodial rights at Minn. Stat. § 609.26.
Minnesota’s child endangerment law is listed at Minn. Stat. § 609.378.
Public court access information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
