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A Redwood Falls woman, Emiley Brook Halvorson, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer in an incident in January 2023.
According to evidence and testimony presented in court, Southwest Health and Human Services (SWHHS) had custody of Halvorson's four children as part of a Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) case on January 26, 2023. However, the children were sent for a trial visit with Halvorson.
That same day, SWHHS and Redwood Falls Police officers went to Halvorson's parents' residence to take custody of the children after learning that the youngest child's hair samples tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and extremely high levels of THC.
When police and social workers arrived at the home, Halvorson became confrontational, screaming, yelling, using profanities, and telling SWHHS and police that she would not give them her children. Halvorson then retreated to her parents' home.
This led to a standoff in the doorway of the apartment building, during which Halvorson verbally and physically abused an officer who refused to allow her to close the door in front of police officers and social workers while the children stood directly behind her watching.
Redwood County Assistant District Attorney Shannon Ness, who tried the case, told the jury in her closing argument, “Taking children away from someone you love and who undoubtedly loves you is not easy for anyone. It is emotional, but it is clear from the body-worn camera footage that SWHHS and officers attempted to take the children away as gently and calmly as possible. However, Halvorson escalated the situation and made an already stressful event much worse than necessary by reacting angrily and attacking a police officer in front of her four young children. As much as Halvorson would like to demonize law enforcement and child protection, her conduct on January 26, 2023 was inexcusable and against the law.”
On March 7, a Redwood County jury found Emiley Brooke Halvorson guilty of fourth-degree assault on a police officer. Halvorson will be sentenced on April 22 at the Redwood County Courthouse.
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