Woman Ticketed by Police for Violating New Rochester Rule

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police issued a citation to a woman who is accused of violating a new city ordinance.

Read More: Rochester City Council Enacts New Ordinance That Ban Camping on City Lands

Elected leaders signed off on the rule in an effort to combat homelessness. In February, the Rochester City Council passed an ordinance to ban camping in the city’s parks and on public lands on a 4-3 vote.

City documents say the law can only be enforced if the person has been informed of the various services available to them, and that person has been given a warning that they are in violation of the ordinance.

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The ordinance also requires that any officer seeking to enforce the rule to confirm that some form of overnight shelter is available to that person.

TJ Leverentz/TSM Rochester

That exception does not apply in cases where a person has been kicked out of otherwise available shelter services.

Homeless Woman Cited for Violation of Rochester's New Camping Ban

On Tuesday, a Rochester Police Officer cited 41-year-old Krystle Echelle Moncrease for allegedly violating the city’s camping ban.

Moncrease citation. Olmsted County Court

The officer issued the ticket to the homeless woman shortly after 3:30 a.m. in the 100 block of 2nd St. Southwest in Downtown Rochester. Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in Jail.

Rochester skyway in 100 block of 2nd St. Southwest. Google

Michael Spindler-Krage, Attorney for the City of Rochester, said while the council was considering the ordinance, “The reality is that even if a citation is issued, and again we’re hoping that it’s a rare occurrence, it is highly unlikely the court system would impose any jail time or any fine at all.”

Critics of the ordinance say the penalty associated with violating the ordinance criminalizes homelessness. They also point out the city’s homeless population outnumbers available beds and staffing capacity to provide services.

Moncrease is ordered to appear in court by next month.