First-degree robbery charges dismissed for Rochester woman

The most serious charges against a Rochester woman involved in a Red Wing robbery last January were dropped Monday.

Amanda Marie Donaldson, 23, pleaded guilty to a felony aiding an offender charge in Goodhue County District Court Monday morning. As a result, first-degree aggravated robbery, second-degree assault, terroristic threats, interfering with a 911 call and fifth-degree assault charges were dropped.

Donaldson was sentenced to 79 days in Goodhue County Jail, three years’ probation and $310 in fines and fees. She will receive credit for 79 days served.

Donaldson was involved in a robbery Jan. 24 at Parkway Motel, 3425 Highway 61. According to a court complaint filed Feb. 2, Donaldson was in the front passenger seat when Curtis Eugene Venzant, 30, allegedly robbed a man at knifepoint in the back seat of the vehicle.

Venzant, Jennifer Nicole Staten, 32, Red Wing, and Jeremy Jake Clarin, 33, Minneapolis, were also arrested for their involvement in the incident.

Venzant pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated robbery and will be sentenced July 13; Clarin pleaded guilty to simple robbery and will be sentenced June 1. Staten pleaded guilty to a felony fifth-degree drug possession charge and was sentenced to one year in Goodhue County Jail and 10 years’ probation.

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