Bemidji Woman Charged in Infant Neglect Case

BEMIDJI, Minn. — (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mahnomen woman faces a gross misdemeanor child neglect charge in Beltrami County.

Sheena Lin-Marie Beaulieu, 21, was charged under Minnesota’s child neglect law. The charge was filed in Ninth Judicial District Court.

The case stems from a police response late June 7 in Bemidji. Officers were called to a home shortly after 11 p.m.

The caller reported an intoxicated woman who would not leave. Officers found Beaulieu sitting near the open front door.

Complaint Describes Infant Care Concerns

According to the complaint, Beaulieu said she had traveled from Mahnomen. She also said she had been drinking with her boyfriend.

Officers then learned that Beaulieu had brought her infant son. Beaulieu reportedly said she had arranged for others to babysit.

However, the homeowner gave officers a different account. She said no childcare plan had been made beforehand.

The homeowner said family members cared for the infant because Beaulieu was heavily intoxicated. The complaint says Beaulieu became uncooperative.

Police detained Beaulieu after she allegedly tried to run from officers. A preliminary breath test later registered .31.

Officers arranged emergency foster care for the infant. The complaint does not report that the child suffered a physical injury.

Prosecutors allege the lack of proper supervision created a risk of substantial harm. The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.378.

A conviction could bring up to 364 days in jail. It could also bring a $3,000 fine.

The complaint also lists a separate misdemeanor DWI case as pending. That case involves an alleged May 26 offense.

Beaulieu is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. A criminal complaint contains allegations, not findings of guilt.

Readers can review available public records through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Information about local law enforcement is available from the Bemidji Police Department.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.