Middle River Woman Charged Over Custody Order Dispute

Marshall County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Middle River woman is facing a felony charge after authorities say she did not follow a court-ordered child visitation exchange.

Samantha Jo Johnson, 39, of Middle River, Minnesota, has been charged in Marshall County District Court with depriving custody or parental rights in violation of a court order.

The charge is based on an alleged incident that happened on June 12, 2026. The case was filed in the Minnesota District Court system.

Court Order Dispute

According to the criminal complaint, Johnson was expected to bring the children to a scheduled exchange location in Middle River.

The children’s father, Joshua Wergin, contacted authorities after the exchange did not happen as planned.

Wergin told authorities he was supposed to pick up the children at noon. He said he had traveled several hours for the court-ordered visitation.

Johnson told authorities she did not believe the children should go with their father. She said she had concerns about their safety.

The complaint states Johnson believed previous custody documents supported her position.

Authorities Review Court Documents

Authorities later reviewed court documents provided by both sides.

The complaint states the court order gave Wergin summer parenting time from June through August.

The order reportedly allowed Johnson one extended weekend during that period.

Investigators told Johnson that failing to follow the order could result in a violation.

According to the complaint, Johnson acknowledged the order but said she would not release the children.

Children Interviewed During Investigation

The complaint states that authorities later spoke with the children.

One child reportedly said they did not want to go with their father.

The child made allegations of past verbal and physical abuse.

Another child reportedly said they did not want to go but did not report physical contact.

Authorities stated they did not force the children to leave that day.

The complaint says Johnson remained in violation of the court order because the exchange did not occur.

Felony Charge Filed

Johnson faces one felony count of depriving custody or parental rights in violation of a court order.

The charge references Minnesota Statute 609.26.

If convicted, the charge carries a possible sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

All charges are allegations. Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For more Minnesota court information, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.