Overview
- Judge Joy Bartscher imposed a 36-month prison term with 22 days of credit, which under Minnesota’s two‑thirds rule means roughly two years in custody before supervised release.
- Court minutes describe a downward durational departure, and the judge rejected a defense bid for probation that cited mental health treatment and claimed diminished judgment.
- Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar, brought in due to a conflict in Ramsey County, called the outcome completely inappropriate after seeking an 18-year sentence.
- DOC officials said Myhre-Schnell is not expected to be housed at the Shakopee women’s prison and will remain in a local jail while an out‑of‑state placement is arranged, as Commissioner Paul Schnell has recused himself from related DOC matters.
- Myhre-Schnell pleaded guilty in July, admitting she crushed anxiety pills into her vulnerable adult son’s feeding bag at a Vadnais Heights group home; he was hospitalized the next day, she later confessed by text, and Paul Schnell obtained a protection order.