Crookston Woman Charged in $907 Jail Damage Case

Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Sylvia Ann Hoff faces a gross misdemeanor property damage charge in Polk County.

The charge involves alleged damage to a sprinkler at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

The case is filed as 60-CR-26-1117 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The alleged damage happened on August 21, 2025, according to the court complaint.

Water Reported Coming From Cell

Jail staff reported Hoff was upset after staff would not allow her to take a shower.

She was later placed alone inside a jail cell, according to the complaint.

Staff then noticed a large amount of water coming from beneath the cell door.

The water spread into the cell block and triggered the facility’s fire alarm.

Staff removed Hoff from the cell after discovering the flooding.

Investigators say the fire suppression sprinkler system inside the cell had been damaged.

The complaint states Hoff was the only person inside the cell during that period.

The damaged sprinkler head was later reviewed by jail staff.

The cost to repair or replace the sprinkler was estimated at $907.50.

Prosecutors allege Hoff intentionally damaged the property without permission.

The facility is operated through Tri-County Community Corrections.

Hoff is charged with third-degree criminal damage to property.

The complaint alleges the damage exceeded $500 but did not exceed $1,000.

The charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor.

If convicted, Hoff could face up to 364 days in jail.

The complaint also lists a possible fine of up to $3,000.

The complaint was issued as a summons in Polk County District Court.

The charge is an allegation and does not establish guilt.

Hoff is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search public cases through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.