BREAKING: Wisconsin Nurse Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Sexual Misconduct with Drug Court Patient
Sparta, Wisconsin – A former Monroe County nurse has been handed an 18-month prison term after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office stemming from a repeated sexual relationship with a vulnerable drug court participant under her care.
Melissa Rose Knutson, 30, of Readstown, Wisconsin, appeared before Judge Paul Curran on February 27, 2026, where she entered guilty pleas to misconduct in public office and obstructing an officer. The judge sentenced her to 18 months of initial confinement in state prison followed by two years of extended supervision (also referred to as public supervision) on the misconduct charge. A concurrent 180-day jail sentence was imposed for the obstruction count.
According to Monroe County District Attorney Kevin D. Croninger, the crimes occurred during Knutson’s employment as a nurse for Monroe County, where she was responsible for providing medical treatment—including administering medication for substance abuse—to participants in the county’s drug court program. Prosecutors stated that Knutson “repeatedly engaged in sexual intercourse” with a male participant under her professional supervision.
The situation escalated when reports of the inappropriate relationship reached the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. In an attempt to deflect scrutiny, Knutson falsely accused the patient of sexually assaulting her, leading to the obstructing an officer charge. Evidence, including text messages, reportedly demonstrated that Knutson initiated and pursued the sexual encounters.
“This situation is particularly egregious given the patient in this situation was a participant in drug court,” District Attorney Croninger emphasized in a statement, highlighting the power imbalance and the vulnerability of individuals in court-mandated treatment programs.
Other potential charges, such as second-degree sexual assault, were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Knutson was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing hearing.
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