Moorhead Woman Faces Felonies in Armed Robbery Case
Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) — Vanessa Marie Griffin faces three charges tied to an alleged armed robbery outside Moorhead.
Prosecutors charged Griffin with aiding and abetting first-degree aggravated robbery.
She also faces aiding and abetting second-degree assault and carrying a pistol without a permit.
The alleged crimes happened on July 19, 2026, in Clay County.
Injured Man Reports Robbery
Deputies responded around 2:07 a.m. after an injured man sought help at a Moorhead-area residence.
The man, identified as S.J., had fresh facial injuries and was bleeding from his mouth.
S.J. told investigators that a group had assaulted him and taken his cell phone.
He said he met the group at Romkey Park before riding with them outside Moorhead.
According to the complaint, Vanessa Marie Griffin was driving a white Cadillac Escalade.
S.J. said the group traveled to a gravel road south of Moorhead.
He alleged that Isaiah Exadrian Lee Rodriguez then displayed a pistol.
S.J. said Rodriguez threatened him with the gun and forced him to drink alcohol.
Beating and Gunfire Alleged
Prosecutors say S.J. was forced from the vehicle and attacked by several people.
He reported being punched and kicked while on the ground.
S.J. eventually escaped into a field and heard at least two gunshots while running.
He later reached a residence and asked for help.
His cellphone was later found near Interstate 29 in Fargo.
Investigators later obtained a video that allegedly captured much of the attack.
The complaint says Rodriguez was shown holding a handgun with an extended magazine.
The video allegedly captured gunfire, punches and kicks directed at S.J.
At one point, the pistol was allegedly placed against S.J.’s forehead.
The group also allegedly searched his pockets and refused to return his phone.
Griffin Linked to Handgun
Police later found Griffin and Rodriguez inside a vehicle at Gooseberry Park in Moorhead.
A firearm case was visible inside the vehicle, according to the complaint.
A later search found an Ermo Xfire 9mm handgun with a 33-round magazine.
Investigators also found 33 additional rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment.
Griffin admitted purchasing the firearm, according to the complaint.
Rodriguez also told investigators that the pistol belonged to Griffin.
He said Griffin drove the group on the night of the alleged assault.
Rodriguez said Griffin remained inside the vehicle when the physical attack began.
Three Charges Filed
First-degree aggravated robbery is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.245.
Aiding another person in a crime is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.05.
Second-degree assault is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.222.
The permit charge cites Minnesota Statute 624.714.
The court file number is 14-CR-26-2706.
Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The complaint contains allegations and does not establish Griffin’s guilt.
Griffin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.