Crookston Woman Faces Escape, Failure-to-Appear Charges

Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Giselle Lee Lyons faces two felony charges in Polk County.

Prosecutors accuse Lyons of escape from custody and felony failure to appear for court.

The allegations stem from a court-approved furlough and a missed hearing on June 9, 2026.

The case is filed in Polk County District Court as 60-CR-26-980.

Furlough Granted During Earlier Case

Lyons had an earlier felony case pending in Polk County, according to the new complaint.

She first appeared in that case during January 2026.

Lyons was charged with felony fourth-degree assault in that earlier proceeding.

The court later ordered Lyons held at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center in Crookston.

During a January 29 hearing, Lyons requested a furlough for treatment.

The court granted the request despite an objection from prosecutors.

The treatment provider was expected to transport Lyons, according to court records.

Lyons was also warned about Minnesota’s escape law.

She was directed to return to the corrections center if she left treatment.

Lyons was scheduled to appear for another court hearing on June 9.

Prosecutors allege she did not attend that hearing.

The complaint also alleges she had not returned to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

Investigators reported finding no evidence that Lyons was hospitalized or attending inpatient treatment.

Authorities allege her failure to return was intentional.

A warrant was then issued for Lyons, according to the complaint.

Count One charges Lyons with felony escape from custody.

Minnesota Statute 609.485 includes failing to return after temporary authorized leave.

Because the underlying custody involved a felony, the charge can carry five years in prison.

The maximum fine is $10,000.

Count Two charges Lyons with felony failure to appear.

Minnesota Statute 609.49 covers intentional failure to appear after release on a felony case.

The statute ties the maximum penalty to the underlying felony charge.

The complaint separately lists one year in prison and a $2,000 fine for Count Two.

Readers can search public records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Lyons is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.