Prosecutors charged Griffin with aiding and abetting first-degree aggravated robbery.<\/p>\n
She also faces aiding and abetting second-degree assault and carrying a pistol without a permit.<\/p>\n
The alleged crimes happened on July 19, 2026, in Clay County.<\/p>\n
Injured Man Reports Robbery<\/h2>\n
Deputies responded around 2:07 a.m. after an injured man sought help at a Moorhead-area residence.<\/p>\n
The man, identified as S.J., had fresh facial injuries and was bleeding from his mouth.<\/p>\n
S.J. told investigators that a group had assaulted him and taken his cell phone.<\/p>\n
He said he met the group at Romkey Park before riding with them outside Moorhead.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Vanessa Marie Griffin was driving a white Cadillac Escalade.<\/p>\n
S.J. said the group traveled to a gravel road south of Moorhead.<\/p>\n
He alleged that Isaiah Exadrian Lee Rodriguez then displayed a pistol.<\/p>\n
S.J. said Rodriguez threatened him with the gun and forced him to drink alcohol.<\/p>\n Prosecutors say S.J. was forced from the vehicle and attacked by several people.<\/p>\n He reported being punched and kicked while on the ground.<\/p>\n S.J. eventually escaped into a field and heard at least two gunshots while running.<\/p>\n He later reached a residence and asked for help.<\/p>\n His cellphone was later found near Interstate 29 in Fargo.<\/p>\n Investigators later obtained a video that allegedly captured much of the attack.<\/p>\n The complaint says Rodriguez was shown holding a handgun with an extended magazine.<\/p>\n The video allegedly captured gunfire, punches and kicks directed at S.J.<\/p>\n At one point, the pistol was allegedly placed against S.J.’s forehead.<\/p>\n The group also allegedly searched his pockets and refused to return his phone.<\/p>\n Police later found Griffin and Rodriguez inside a vehicle at Gooseberry Park in Moorhead.<\/p>\n A firearm case was visible inside the vehicle, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n A later search found an Ermo Xfire 9mm handgun with a 33-round magazine.<\/p>\n Investigators also found 33 additional rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment.<\/p>\n Griffin admitted purchasing the firearm, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Rodriguez also told investigators that the pistol belonged to Griffin.<\/p>\n He said Griffin drove the group on the night of the alleged assault.<\/p>\n Rodriguez said Griffin remained inside the vehicle when the physical attack began.<\/p>\n First-degree aggravated robbery is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.245<\/a>.<\/p>\n Aiding another person in a crime is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.05<\/a>.<\/p>\n Second-degree assault is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.222<\/a>.<\/p>\n The permit charge cites Minnesota Statute 624.714<\/a>.<\/p>\n The court file number is 14-CR-26-2706.<\/p>\n Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The complaint contains allegations and does not establish Griffin’s guilt.<\/p>\n Griffin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Vanessa](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GRIFFIN-VANESSA-MARIE.jpg\")
Beating and Gunfire Alleged<\/h2>\n
Griffin Linked to Handgun<\/h2>\n
Three Charges Filed<\/h2>\n