Blackduck Woman Faces 3 Child Neglect Charges

Blackduck (trfnews.i234.me) — A Blackduck woman faces three gross misdemeanor child-neglect charges in Beltrami County District Court.

Serena Kaylin Spears is accused of leaving three children without adult supervision for several days.

The allegations stem from a September 26, 2024, welfare check at a Blackduck apartment.

A criminal complaint says someone contacted police after becoming concerned about children reportedly being alone.

Children Found Without Adult Care

According to the complaint, officers arrived and initially received no answer at the apartment door.

A teenage child eventually came to the door, court records state.

Two younger children were also inside the apartment.

The complaint alleges no parent, guardian, or other adult caregiver was present.

The teenager told investigators that Spears was his sister and legal guardian.

He reportedly said Spears had been away for about three days.

The teenager said he was responsible for watching the two younger children during that time.

He also reported missing school because he needed to care for them.

According to court records, the teenager had limited phone access and could only connect through Wi-Fi.

He reportedly told investigators he did not know what to do during an emergency.

The complaint describes clothing, dishes, and used diapers scattered throughout the apartment.

Investigators also reported concerns about the condition of one younger child’s diaper.

Authorities later contacted Spears by telephone, according to the complaint.

Spears initially said she had been prevented from leaving a residence in Red Lake.

The complaint says she later gave investigators a different explanation for being away.

She reportedly said she had stayed with her sister and lacked money for gasoline.

Spears later repeated claims that another person prevented her from leaving, court records state.

Prosecutors filed three counts of neglect of a child.

Each charge involves allegations concerning one of the three children.

Each count carries up to 364 days in jail and a possible $3,000 fine.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.378 through the Minnesota Revisor.

Public court information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The case is filed under Beltrami County court file number 04-CR-24-2592.

The complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

Spears is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.