A Rochester woman charged in connection with an alleged home invasion in March was found not guilty by a jury Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Benita Crum, 33, was found not guilty of first-degree burglary, aiding and abetting first-degree burglary, and fifth-degree assault.

According to court documents, officers were dispatched March 31 to 610 Ruble Ave. in Albert Lea on a report that someone had kidnapped two children at gunpoint.

The alleged victim said he heard someone downstairs on his porch. He reportedly opened up the door and found Jessie Crum, Benita Crum’s brother.

He claimed Jessie Crum put a gun to his abdomen and threatened him.

Benita Crum allegedly punched a daughter of the alleged victim’s girlfriend in the face and scratched her right arm, left hand and rib area. She reportedly struck another daughter in the chest and scratched her arm.

A second charge of fifth-degree assault was dismissed by Freeborn County District Court Judge Ross Leuning earlier Thursday after an alleged victim

testified Crum did not strike her in the chest and scratch her, Assistant Freeborn County Attorney David Walker said. 

Benita Crum is the mother of the two children. The dispute was over child custody.

Officers determined the father of the two children may have picked up the children from school in Rochester and brought them to Albert Lea. The children were reportedly living with Benita Crum’s mother in Rochester.

Benita Crum said she had spoken with Rochester police who told her she could take her children back.

Jessie Crum faces one count of first-degree burglary with possession of a dangerous weapon, aiding and abetting first-degree burglary, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and ineligible person in possession of a firearm in a crime of violence in connection with the alleged incident. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for January 10, if the case has not been settled by then.