Wright County (trfnews.i234.me) — A 20-year-old Monticello woman is charged. The case follows an overdose at the Wright County Jail.
Kara Nicole Babcock is charged with a felony. The charge is fifth-degree drug possession under Minnesota Statute 152.025, subdivision 2(a)(1).
The complaint lists possession of Schedule I–IV drugs, or residue and paraphernalia.
Court papers say Babcock overdosed inside the jail on January 22, 2026.
What happened
According to the complaint, Babcock became unresponsive in her housing unit.
Staff gave Narcan, and she regained consciousness, the complaint says.
She was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The complaint says Babcock blamed her cellmate, Catelynn Ann Reed.
A third inmate, Savannah Tallulah Boyd, was also housed nearby.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation, court papers say.
Search finds hidden drugs
Investigators say deputies searched two cells after the overdose.
They reported finding white powder in several hiding spots.
The complaint describes powder hidden inside a Bible.
It also describes powder inside shampoo bottles and deodorant sticks.
Deputies also reported folded paper packets with residue.
Investigators believe inmates mixed the powder with drink mixes.
The complaint calls the mixes fentanyl cocktails.
It says hot chocolate mix and red Kool-Aid powder were in the cells.
Some powder was described as mixed with both products.
One recovered sample weighed about one gram, the complaint says.
Tests and charges
The complaint says jail staff collected voluntary urine samples.
It says all three women tested positive for fentanyl and other drugs.
Investigators also found a handwritten note requesting controlled substances.
Authorities say the note was linked to Reed by handwriting.
Hospital staff later spoke with Babcock, according to the complaint.
She said she took the powder and felt hot right away.
She told staff she recognized the feeling from past fentanyl use.
What’s next
Judge Kari Willis set bail at $5,000 with conditions.
An alternative bail of $15,000 without conditions was also set.
Alleged offense date: January 22, 2026
Date filed: January 26, 2026
Read the statute here: Minnesota Statute 152.025.
Learn more about fentanyl risks at the CDC.
Learn about overdose reversal medication at SAMHSA.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.