Dakota County Couple Charged with Multiple Counts of Child Neglect; Complaint Says Conditions Among Worst Officers Have Seen
Published: April 18th 2026
LAKEVILLE MN: A Dakota County couple is facing multiple gross misdemeanor charges after children were allegedly found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions at a Lakeville residence that officers described as among the worst they had seen in their careers, according to Dakota County criminal complaints.
Samantha Denise Rokosz is charged with six counts of Child Neglect under Minnesota Statute 609.378.1(a)(1), with alleged conduct spanning from 2015 through February 8, 2026. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
Joseph John Lund is also charged with six counts of Child Neglect under the same statute, with alleged conduct between January 1, 2025 and February 8, 2026.
According to the criminal complaints, officers were dispatched on February 8, 2026, to a residence in Lakeville. Upon arrival, officers found Rokosz unresponsive and she was revived after multiple doses of Narcan were administered. A child under the age of one was nearby at the time. Rokosz was transported to a hospital.
Officers then spoke with Rokosz’s partner, Joseph John Lund, who, according to the complaint, appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance and stated he had used THC syrup. The complaint states Lund was unable to provide names or birthdates for the children inside the home.
The complaints state six children were identified living at the residence, ranging in age from under one year old to 13 years old, referred to as Child A through Child F.
The criminal complaints allege the home was in hazardous condition, with garbage throughout the residence, including in the bathroom where dirty diapers and waste were present on the floor. The kitchen was described as filled with dirty dishes, and moldy food was allegedly found throughout the home. Several of the children appeared unclean, and one child was located unclothed in a bedroom that contained urine, feces, and food waste, according to the complaint.
Officers also observed cigarettes and drug paraphernalia, including pipes and pills, within reach of the children, the complaints state. The complaints describe the overall condition of the home as unsafe for children.
According to the complaints, child protection records involving the family date back to 2014 and include prior reports of neglect and abuse. More recent concerns included allegations of insufficient food, unsanitary clothing, educational neglect, and caregivers allegedly picking children up while under the influence.
The complaints state officers removed the children from the home. Lund became emotional during the removal and attributed the condition of the home to the children not keeping it clean while continuing to show signs of impairment.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
