Robbery charges dismissed for Staten

A Red Wing woman has been cleared of robbery charges that stem from a Jan. 24 incident at a Red Wing motel. First- and second-degree aggravated robbery charges against Jennifer Nicole Staten, 32, were formally dismissed Friday. She was, however, convicted of fifth-degree drug possession, a felony.

Staten was sentenced to one year in jail and 10 years’ probation. In a stay of imposition, if she successfully completes her sentence, her felony will be reduced to a misdemeanor charge.

According to a court complaint filed Jan. 26, a man was robbed at the Parkway Motel, 3425 Highway 61. Curtis Eugene Venzant, 30, also of Red Wing, allegedly robbed a man at knifepoint, and money from the robbery was later found in Staten’s pockets.

As a result of the settlement, a jury trial for Staten scheduled to begin Monday morning has been canceled.

Venzant has been charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree assault, among other things, and has pleaded not guilty. A jury trial is scheduled to begin May 21.

Jeremy Jake Clarin, 33, Minneapolis, and Amanda Marie Donaldson, 23, Rochester, are facing similar charges for their alleged involvement in the robbery. Clarin has pleaded not guilty and an April 23 trial is scheduled. Donaldson’s next court appearance is May 7.

Tags: crime and courts, red wing, crime, news