Crystal Rose Searle sentenced for felony child endangerment

Searle received 5 years’ probation following March 14, 2022, brain injury to infant

February 3, 2026 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Stevens County court sentenced Crystal Rose Searle to 5 years of probation and 180 days in jail for her role in a March 14, 2022, brain injury to an infant in Donnelly, Minnesota.

Searle provided childcare at her residence in Stevens County. On March 14, 2022, Searle noticed that a two-month-old infant she was babysitting needed emergency medical care. Rather than call 911, Searle waited 45 minutes until the infant’s mother picked him up. The infant’s mother immediately took the child to the emergency room, where doctors found he had increased cranial pressure and a subdural hematoma that required a craniotomy (brain surgery). The infant survived but spent weeks in intensive care.

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted Searle upon a referral from former Stevens County Attorney Aaron Jordan under Minnesota Statutes section 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.” The authority vested in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is primarily civil. Aside from referrals submitted under section 8.01 and Medicaid fraud, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office does not have prosecuting authority over most criminal acts. That authority generally rests with city and county attorneys.

“Every parent knows the fear of something like this happening to their child,” said Attorney General Ellison. “My heart goes out to the child and their family in this case. It is essential that caretakers seek emergency medical care whenever any child they are looking after needs it. I will continue using my office to protect young Minnesotans whenever possible, and I hope this tragic case serves as a reminder to care providers of their obligations under Minnesota law.”

Attorney General Ellison thanks the Stevens County Sherriff’s Office, who assisted in the investigation and successful prosecution of this crime.