Crosslake woman sentenced to 39 years in child torture case

BRAINERD — A Crosslake woman was sentenced to 39 years in prison Thursday, Aug. 7, for her role in a child abuse and Medicaid fraud case.

In June, a judge found Jorden Borders, 34, guilty of three counts each of child torture and stalking, four counts of theft by false representation and one count of attempted murder.

Borders was first charged by the Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office in 2022, and the case was referred to the attorney general’s office early last year.

She physically, verbally and emotionally abused her three children for over five years, a news release from the attorney general's office said. The judge also agreed that Borders abused her position of trust, one victim was particularly vulnerable and she acted with particular cruelty.

"Borders' crimes are some of the most heinous and agonizing I have seen in my time as Attorney General. I am praying for her children's recovery from the suffering and trauma they endured,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison in a news release.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone involved in holding Borders accountable, from the Crow Wing County and Stearns County Attorneys' Offices to the AG prosecutors and all our team on the case to the members of law enforcement who investigated.”

According to the release, the Stearns County Attorney's Office allowed the trial team to use the office's courthouse facility dog, Nova, to comfort and support the victims during their testimony.

The Brainerd Dispatch reports Borders' attorney told the court Thursday that Borders plans to file an appeal.