November 6, 2018 (SAND CREEK TWP) – Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen announced today that an arrest has been made regarding the death of an 17-month old* female in Sand Creek Township that occurred on August 26, 2018.
Due to the complexity of the child’s injuries, additional examination was required by specialists, prolonging the autopsy results. Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has now ruled the child's death as a homicide.
Based on information obtained through the investigation, Jason Robert Betlach (30) of Jordan, who was the caregiver at the time of the incident, was arrested today in Sand Creek Township by Scott County Sheriff’s deputies. Betlach has been booked into the Scott County Jail on suspicion of Second Degree Homicide.
“This has been heartbreaking for the family, community, and all those involved in this case,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “Our investigation will continue to ensure that this child will get justice. I anticipate that people will have questions about this incident. Many of these questions will be addressed in the charging documents when they are filed.”
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension in this investigation and arrest. This case has been sent to the Scott County Attorney’s Office for review of criminal charges.
*Child’s age has been corrected from initial press release.
August 29, 2018 (SAND CREEK TWP) – On August 26, 2018, at approximately 4:41 p.m., Scott County Dispatch received a call of a child experiencing difficulty breathing on the 4xxx block of Morlock Drive in Sand Creek Township.
Deputies and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene where they located an unresponsive 18-month old female. The child was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee and later airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. This child had been placed in foster care at this residence through Hennepin County.
On August 28, 2018 at approximately 2:55 pm, the Sheriff’s Office was notified that the 18-month old female had died.
“We are unable to provide additional details at this time as this is an ongoing, active investigation,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “Our investigators are working hard to obtain answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
There are currently no other children residing at the residence.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Jordan Police Department, Jordan Fire Department and Allina Ambulance at the scene. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident with assistance from Scott County Human Services, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Jason Robert Betlach, 11/06/2018 Scott County Jail booking photo
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