Crosslake Woman Charged in $16,740 SNAP Case
Crosslake (trfnews.i234.me) — A Crosslake woman faces a felony charge involving alleged improper receipt of SNAP benefits.
Jessica Lynn Donahue is charged with wrongfully obtaining public assistance.
The case was filed in Crow Wing County District Court.
Investigators allege Donahue received $16,740 in SNAP overpayments.
The complaint says the benefits covered a period from August 2022 through January 2024.
Investigation Began in 2025
A Minnesota Department of Human Services fraud investigator began reviewing the case in July 2025.
The investigation focused on Donahue’s household makeup and reported income.
Records showed Donahue married another adult in August 2022, according to the complaint.
However, investigators say several benefit applications listed her as divorced.
Those applications also reported six children living at the Crosslake residence.
Donahue reported receiving $2,000 monthly in child support, court records state.
The complaint says she reported no other household income at the time.
Records Show Additional Household Income
In March 2024, Donahue reported being married, according to the complaint.
She also disclosed that her husband operated a landscaping and snow removal business.
Investigators later obtained records from Wells Fargo accounts held by the couple.
The complaint lists deposits from a Charles Schwab account over several years.
Those deposits totaled $109,500 in 2022 and $159,000 in 2023.
Records also listed $342,000 in 2024 and $276,000 in 2025.
Investigators allege that income was not reported to Crow Wing County Human Services.
Complaint Alleges $16,740 Overpayment
Donahue was interviewed in December 2025, according to the complaint.
Investigators say she acknowledged not reporting her marriage when required.
The complaint also says she admitted not reporting income from the investment account.
She reportedly said some money came from financial help provided by her husband’s father.
Investigators calculated a SNAP overpayment totaling $16,740.
The felony charge falls under Minnesota Statute 256.98.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
It also carries a possible fine of up to $10,000.
The complaint contains conflicting birth dates for Donahue in separate sections.
TRF News is therefore not reporting her age.
Criminal charges are allegations. Donahue is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
