Dakota County Jail Booking Photo
Published: November 13th, 2026.
SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MN - A South St. Paul woman has been charged with gross misdemeanor malicious punishment of a child following an alleged incident on November 11, 2026, in Dakota County.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County, Jasmine Katherine Washington is accused of using unreasonable force or excessive discipline against a child while acting as a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker.
Prosecutors allege that Washington, through an intentional act or series of intentional acts, subjected the child to punishment considered excessive under the circumstances. The charge alleges that the punishment resulted in less than substantial bodily harm.
Washington faces one count of malicious punishment of a child under Minnesota Statute 609.377, subdivisions 1 and 2.
The charge is classified as a gross misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both, if convicted.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Washington is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.