Published: October 19th 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS - A 66-year-old woman faces multiple criminal sexual conduct charges in Hennepin County following a law enforcement investigation into allegations dating between January 2011 and July 2014, which were reported to police in 2025. According to the criminal complaint, Mary Lynn Donaldson was an employee at a school attended by the alleged victim during the timeframe of the alleged incidents.
District court filings detail that prosecutors have charged Donaldson with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct based on a complaint filed by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Under Count I, Donaldson is charged with First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct pursuant to Minnesota Statute 609.342, Subdivision 1(b). The felony count alleges sexual contact or penetration involving a minor between the ages of 13 and 15 by an individual in a position of authority who is more than 48 months older than the victim. Conviction on this charge carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, financial penalties ranging from $12,000 to $40,000, and a period of conditional release.
Under Count II, the complaint alleges Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct pursuant to Minnesota Statute 609.344, Subdivision 1(e). This felony charge involves alleged sexual penetration while in a position of authority with a minor aged 16 to 17 who is more than 48 months younger than the accused. Penalties for Count II include up to 15 years imprisonment, fines between $10,000 and $30,000, alongside conditional release requirements.
The underlying investigation initiated late last year when the Robbinsdale Police Department received a report concerning Donaldson. Court papers state that the complainant, an adult male born in January 1997, reported that the alleged conduct began around the age of 14 or 15.
According to the complaint, the individual reported that Donaldson worked at his school during that period and that he eventually resided at her home in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, where initial and subsequent incidents allegedly took place over several years. The report further indicates that incentives were offered to keep the matters unreported.
Law enforcement verified that the complainant attended the school from 2008 through 2012, overlapping with Donaldson’s employment at the institution, and a current staff member confirmed the cohabitation arrangement during those years.
A criminal complaint represents an allegation by prosecutors. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.