A former work release officer in Anoka County has been charged with two felonies after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate.

According to the criminal complaint, Kendra Faye Dunblazier, 30, was employed as a work release officer at the Anoka County Workhouse for just over three months in 2024.

Charges say that during her employment, she engaged in a prohibited relationship with an inmate. The investigation began after Dunblazier's husband reported finding text messages that appeared to confirm a sexual relationship between her and the inmate.

Authorities allege that Dunblazier and the inmate exchanged explicit messages, including nude photos, and arranged meetings for sexual activity while the inmate was away from the workhouse on work release. Investigators from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office reviewed 283 recorded jail phone calls between the two, many of which reportedly included graphic discussions and references to time spent together. Surveillance footage, GPS data, and witness statements further supported claims of an ongoing relationship.

During an interview with law enforcement, Dunblazier initially denied the allegations but later admitted to engaging in sexual contact with the inmate. She claimed she had attempted to end the relationship but was unable to due to ongoing threats made by the inmate, but investigators found no evidence to support that assertion.

Dunblazier is facing one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

She has been summoned to appear in court in March.

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*The original criminal complaint incorrectly stated that the defendant was employed at the Anoka County Jail under the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. In fact, she worked for the Anoka County Workhouse, which falls under Anoka County Corrections. The story has been updated at the request of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office to reflect this correction.