Woman sentenced to 3 years for holding ex-boyfriend captive for days

HIBBING, Minn. — An iron range woman has been sentenced for kidnapping and assaulting her ex-boyfriend.

Shelly Jean Goerdt

(St. Louis County Jail)

Shelly Jean Goerdt, 41, has been sentenced to 36 months or 3 years in prison for her role in the kidnapping.

Officials say that on February 16, 2024,  Goerdt lured her ex-boyfriend into a home in Hibiing.

Goerdt and her sister, Corrine Starc, then disabled him with a taser and tied him up in the bathroom.

According to offcials over the course of the next three days, he was held captive and repeatedly assaulted.

On February 19, 2024, the victim escaped.  

Goerdt chased him down, trying to recapture him with her vehicle and assaulting him with the taser.  

Officials say the victim was eventually able to escape, hiding in a garage before going to a gas station to call police.

Goerdt was charged with Assault in the Second Degree, Dangerous Weapon, and False Imprisonment and Intentional Restraint.

“Ms. Goerdt and Ms. Starc committed very serious offenses, and our thoughts are with the victim as he continues to recover from the grievous harm inflicted upon him,” said County Attorney Maki.  “My office remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our citizens and to holding offenders accountable for crimes that undermine these core principles.

Starc also pleaded guilty to kidnapping and is set to appear in court again on February 26, 2026.