Crookston Woman Charged With Felony Escape

Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — Kayla Maria Balderston faces a felony escape from custody charge in Polk County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Balderston failed to return to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center after completing a court-approved treatment furlough.

The charge carries up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Court Approved Treatment Furlough

Court records say Balderston was serving custody related to a prior felony drug conviction.

In January 2026, Balderston asked the court for permission to leave custody for a treatment program.

The court granted a limited furlough solely for treatment, according to the criminal complaint.

Balderston was ordered to return to the Crookston corrections center immediately after her discharge.

The complaint says she was warned that failing to return could lead to an escape charge.

Balderston successfully completed treatment and was discharged on April 10, 2026, prosecutors say.

However, the complaint alleges she did not immediately return to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.

Court records say Balderston remained away from custody until April 21.

Prosecutors allege that delay amounted to escape from lawful custody under Minnesota law.

Minnesota law defines escape to include failing to return after temporary leave granted for a specific purpose.

The law can be reviewed under Minnesota Statute 609.485.

The charging document lists January 9, 2026, as the offense date.

However, the charge description describes the alleged escape as occurring between April 10 and April 20.

The probable cause statement also says Balderston returned to custody on April 21.

The case therefore centers on her alleged failure to return after treatment ended.

The complaint also includes notice that prosecutors may seek an aggravated sentence.

That request would apply if Balderston is convicted or pleads guilty without a plea agreement.

Prosecutors allege an aggravated dispositional departure could be justified because she is particularly unamenable to probation.

That sentencing request is an allegation and has not been decided by the court.

The new case is filed as State of Minnesota v. Kayla Maria Balderston.

The court file number is 60-CR-26-1108 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Balderston’s guilt.

Balderston is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.