Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Polk County prosecutors have filed a felony charge against Jennifer Lynne Whalen after they said she missed several required court appearances in Crookston.
The criminal complaint was filed on April 22, 2020, in Polk County District Court. It accuses Whalen of one count of failure to appear for court. The charge is a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.49.
Missed Court Dates Listed
According to the complaint, Whalen first appeared in Polk County court on April 29, 2019. That earlier case involved a felony drug charge under Minnesota Statute 152.023. The filing says she was warned that missing court could lead to a new criminal case.
Prosecutors said Whalen later pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2019. The plea covered a felony controlled substance count. It also covered a misdemeanor count tied to aiding fourth-degree DWI. Sentencing was then scheduled for Dec. 17, 2019.
The complaint says Whalen did not appear on that date. The filing also says she missed later hearings on Jan. 21, Jan. 23, and Jan. 30, 2020. All of those hearings were set at the Polk County Justice Center in Crookston.
Release Order Cited
The complaint says Whalen was released earlier in the case under court-ordered conditions. One of those conditions required her to appear for every hearing. The order also warned that a missed hearing could bring a new charge and an arrest warrant.
Because of those missed hearings, the state filed the new case. The complaint says the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison, a $125,000 fine, or both.
What Happens Next
The filing says a warrant was issued for Whalen after the missed court dates. Public case information can be found through Minnesota Court Records Online. Court location details are also listed on the Polk County District Court page.
As in all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation unless it is proven in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.