Prosecutors allege Balderston failed to return to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center after completing a court-approved treatment furlough.<\/p>\n
The charge carries up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.<\/p>\n
Court Approved Treatment Furlough<\/h2>\n
Court records say Balderston was serving custody related to a prior felony drug conviction.<\/p>\n
In January 2026, Balderston asked the court for permission to leave custody for a treatment program.<\/p>\n
The court granted a limited furlough solely for treatment, according to the criminal complaint.<\/p>\n
Balderston was ordered to return to the Crookston corrections center immediately after her discharge.<\/p>\n
The complaint says she was warned that failing to return could lead to an escape charge.<\/p>\n Balderston successfully completed treatment and was discharged on April 10, 2026, prosecutors say.<\/p>\n However, the complaint alleges she did not immediately return to the Northwest Regional Corrections Center.<\/p>\n Court records say Balderston remained away from custody until April 21.<\/p>\n Prosecutors allege that delay amounted to escape from lawful custody under Minnesota law.<\/p>\n Minnesota law defines escape to include failing to return after temporary leave granted for a specific purpose.<\/p>\n The law can be reviewed under Minnesota Statute 609.485<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charging document lists January 9, 2026, as the offense date.<\/p>\n However, the charge description describes the alleged escape as occurring between April 10 and April 20.<\/p>\n The probable cause statement also says Balderston returned to custody on April 21.<\/p>\n The case therefore centers on her alleged failure to return after treatment ended.<\/p>\n The complaint also includes notice that prosecutors may seek an aggravated sentence.<\/p>\n That request would apply if Balderston is convicted or pleads guilty without a plea agreement.<\/p>\n Prosecutors allege an aggravated dispositional departure could be justified because she is particularly unamenable to probation.<\/p>\n That sentencing request is an allegation and has not been decided by the court.<\/p>\n The new case is filed as State of Minnesota v. Kayla Maria Balderston.<\/p>\n The court file number is 60-CR-26-1108 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n Public court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The criminal complaint contains allegations and does not establish Balderston’s guilt.<\/p>\n Balderston is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Kayla](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BALDERSTON-KAYLA-MARIA.jpg\")
Treatment Completed in April<\/h2>\n
Complaint Contains Date Difference<\/h2>\n
Prosecutors Seek Possible Aggravated Sentence<\/h2>\n
Case Filed in Polk County<\/h2>\n