CROOKSTON (trfnews.i234.me) — Bethany Lee Kozel appears in a Polk County jail booking entry dated October 13, 2026.
The entry lists Kozel, 41, in connection with a constructive contempt of court allegation.
The stated allegation involves disobeying a lawful court judgment, order, or process. The entry labels the offense a misdemeanor.
The reported statute is Minnesota Statute 588.01, subdivision 3(3). It addresses certain forms of contempt involving court orders.
The booking information does not identify the underlying court order. It also does not explain what Kozel allegedly failed to do.
No court case number, bond amount, or hearing date was included in the information provided.
The entry does not establish whether Kozel remained in custody after the booking date.
A jail booking does not mean a person has been convicted. The allegation has not been proven by this entry.
What the Contempt Law Means
Minnesota law separates contempt of court into direct and constructive contempt.
Direct contempt generally involves conduct in the court’s presence. Constructive contempt involves conduct outside the court’s immediate presence.
One form involves failing to obey a lawful judgment, order, or court process.
The cited statute describes this type of conduct. It does not explain the facts of Kozel’s specific case.
Court orders can involve different kinds of cases and duties. The booking entry does not identify the subject of this order.
Minnesota law also has separate rules concerning possible contempt penalties. A booking description alone cannot establish any sentence.
Where to Check for Updates
The Northwest Regional Corrections Center serves Polk County in Crookston, Minnesota.
The regional corrections agency publishes a local inmate roster. The agency says its roster is updated on weekday mornings.
A listed booking date should not be confused with a release date. Custody information can change after a roster is posted.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch also provides public access to certain court documents and case information.
Its online case search has limits. Some pending criminal cases do not appear in searches made by a person’s name.
A case number may be needed to locate those records. Some details may only be available from court administration.
The available information does not identify any judgment or final outcome in Kozel’s matter.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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