Prosecutors Stick With Manslaughter Charge After Woman Fails to Show for Sentencing Hearing

(KNSI) – Failure to show for a sentencing hearing is not going to affect the prison term for an area woman accused of selling her teenage son a lethal dose of fentanyl-laced cocaine.

Crystal Marie Swenson of St. Cloud reached a plea deal with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office on April 14th that would see her get out in under three years on a charge of second-degree manslaughter. The term was 41 months, with credit for eight already served. Swenson did not appear for the sentencing hearing on May 29th, and a warrant had to be issued for her arrest.

Swenson and Fox Bellanger, who is also charged in the case, were picked up late last week and returned to the Benton County Jail. Prosecutors allege that Swenson’s 16-year-old son, Peyton Jensen, bought cocaine from Swenson and Bellanger through the Cash App early last year. He received the money through Anthony Costello, an ex of Swenson’s and Peyton’s father.

Investigators say Peyton and Costello did the cocaine together early in the morning of March 2nd, 2024. Costello woke up after having a bad reaction to the drugs at around 9:30 and found Peyton lying on the floor unresponsive. He was making gurgling noises, and Costello tried to pour water on him and stand him up. When that failed, Costello allegedly dragged Peyton to the bottom of the stairs and left him to die alone so he could go back to sleep.

First responders were called to the Sauk Rapids home after 6:00 p.m. that day. When they got there, Peyton was cold to the touch and had been dead for hours. Bellanger has a pre-trial hearing and is the alleged supplier. His case is still active.

Costello was already sentenced to four years in prison for second-degree manslaughter.

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