Crookston Jail Booking Lists Contempt Charge
CROOKSTON (trfnews.i234.me) — Michael Jacob Bendel-Paulson was booked on July 31, 2026.
The booking was reported through the Polk County jail system. Bendel-Paulson was 37 years old at the time.
Contempt Charge Listed
The jail entry lists a misdemeanor contempt of court charge. It describes the allegation as willful disobedience to a court mandate.
The record cites Minnesota Statute 588.20, subdivision 2(4). That law covers willful disobedience to lawful court process or another court mandate.
Under that section, the listed conduct may be charged as misdemeanor criminal contempt. The booking summary does not explain the disputed order.
It also does not identify the related court case. No details were provided about the alleged act or its timing.
What the Cited Law Covers
Criminal contempt addresses conduct that may challenge a court’s lawful authority. Minnesota law lists several types of criminal contempt.
The clause cited here concerns alleged disobedience to a lawful court directive. It does not reveal what Bendel-Paulson was ordered to do.
The booking entry also omits the issuing court. It does not state when the alleged disobedience occurred.
Limited Details Released
The available booking information does not list a court date. It also does not show bail, release terms, or a case outcome.
Those details may appear in official court records. Readers can review the cited law through the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
Information about local law enforcement services is available from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Jail services are also described by Tri-County Community Corrections.
Booking Is Not a Conviction
A jail booking records a person’s entry into custody. It does not prove that the person committed a crime.
The charge remains an allegation unless Bendel-Paulson admits guilt or a court finds him guilty. Court proceedings can also change or dismiss charges.
No further case details were included in the booking information provided. The public record should be checked for later changes.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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