Homeless Woman Accused of Causing $10K in Damages to Rochester Peace Plaza

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A woman with a criminal past is facing a felony charge for allegedly causing thousands of dollars worth of damages to a downtown Rochester landmark. 

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That’s according to the criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Monday. 

Rochester police responded to the property damage report shortly after 6:15 Sunday morning and encountered the woman at the scene. 

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42-Year-Old Woman Accused of Damaging Flowers Along Peace Plaza in Downtown Rochester

42-year-old Jamie Lea Copeland is charged with one count of first-degree property damage.

The criminal complaint says officers found Copeland in the area of the Peace Plaza with dirt on her hands and pants. 

Footage captured by city cameras showed Copeland, who is described as homeless in the complaint, ripping out the flowers planted along 1st Ave. SW between West Center St. and 2nd St. SW as well as flowers planted on the east and west ends of the plaza. 

The court document states 174 plants and planters had been damaged at an estimated cost of $10,000. 

Criminal Past

Court records indicate Copeland has convictions for felony assault on a peace officer, fleeing police, and first-degree damage to property stemming from an incident in April 2020 during which she crashed her vehicle into some doors at the Mayo Civic Center. 

Read More: Rochester Woman Sentenced for Ramming into Mayo Civic Center

She was also accused of ramming a Rochester police squad vehicle during that incident. Copeland was sentenced to 5 years on probation for her convictions in that case. 

Copeland’s criminal history dates back to 2018 and includes multiple theft convictions. 

She was released without bail following her first appearance in property damage case on Monday and is due back in court next month.