Thief River Falls Woman Faces 4 Assault Charges

Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Kaili Ruth Schrems faces four assault charges involving vulnerable adults.

The charges were filed in Pennington County District Court.

Schrems, also known as “Jace,” is charged with four counts of fourth-degree assault.

Each count involves the alleged assault of a vulnerable adult.

Each charge is a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 609.2231.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.

Each charge also carries a possible fine of up to $3,000.

Complaint Details Alleged Abuse

The complaint says the alleged incidents happened between April 1 and July 30, 2026.

The incidents allegedly occurred at Oakwood Home in Thief River Falls.

Regional director Deborah Ann Vigness reported the matter on August 3, according to the complaint.

The report followed an alleged self-disclosure by Schrems to facility staff.

Assistant administrator Amanda Lee Miller told investigators that Schrems admitted hitting residents.

The complaint alleges Schrems reported hitting residents roughly five times during each work shift.

Two residents were described in court records only by their initials.

Both residents were described as nonverbal vulnerable adults.

Oakwood Home removed Schrems from its work schedule after the allegations were disclosed.

The complaint says Schrems later provided a recorded statement to law enforcement.

She allegedly said the conduct began after she became frustrated with residents.

Prosecutors allege the conduct started with nudging and later became more physical.

The complaint describes alleged pushing, slapping and hitting.

Schrems also allegedly admitted punching residents on their arms with a closed fist.

She allegedly told investigators that she tried not to leave visible marks.

The complaint says the incidents happened inside residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms.

Prosecutors allege other workers were unlikely to witness the incidents.

One resident’s guardian told investigators the resident communicated using gestures and limited verbal answers.

The complaint says the resident indicated someone at the home had hurt him.

During a recorded interview, the resident was asked whether “Jace” had hit him.

The complaint says the resident answered “yes.”

He also allegedly indicated that he was scared and that being hit had hurt.

The case is filed as Pennington County court file 57-CR-26-581.

Readers can search public court information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The allegations in a criminal complaint have not been proven in court.

Schrems is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.