Baudette Man Charged in Alleged Stalking, Peeping

LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Baudette man faces three criminal charges following an investigation into alleged stalking and privacy violations.

Michael Isaiah Sontowski, 29, is charged with felony stalking and two gross-misdemeanor counts of interfering with privacy.

According to a criminal complaint, the allegations involve repeated visits to a homeowner’s property during August and October 2026.

Investigators say Sontowski admitted watching the residence and taking photographs of a woman living there.

Homeowner Reports Suspicious Activity

On October 22, 2026, deputies responded to a Lake of the Woods County residence around 10:56 p.m.

A homeowner reported seeing an unknown person moving through the property on security footage.

The woman told authorities she was frightened and requested assistance.

Deputies searched the property but did not find anyone.

However, a trail camera captured approximately 31 photographs between 9:09 p.m. and 10:53 p.m.

The images showed a man moving around the property near the residence.

Investigators estimated the man was approximately 44 feet from the home’s living room and bedroom windows.

Deputies reported that someone standing in that location could see inside the home.

The photographs documented activity spanning nearly two hours.

Suspect Allegedly Admitted Previous Visits

The homeowners told investigators they believed they recognized the man captured in the photographs.

They identified him as someone previously known to them.

Deputies later contacted Sontowski at his Baudette residence.

According to the complaint, Sontowski initially denied being at the property.

Investigators say he later acknowledged visiting after learning he had been photographed.

Sontowski allegedly admitted being there on October 22 and again on October 15.

He described parking down the road and approaching the residence through a neighboring property and wooded ravine.

During the October 22 visit, he reportedly spent much of his time near a shed.

He told investigators the home’s lights were on while he watched.

He claimed he did not see anyone inside.

Baudette Man Charged in Alleged Stalking, Peeping

Complaint Describes Alleged Secret Photography

Investigators also questioned Sontowski about an earlier visit during August 2026.

According to the complaint, he admitted visiting the property hoping to see the female occupant unclothed.

He also reportedly admitted taking photographs of the woman while watching her.

The complaint does not identify the type of camera or device allegedly used.

Authorities included those reported statements in the probable cause allegations supporting the charges.

Three Criminal Charges Filed

The complaint filed in Lake of the Woods County District Court lists three counts against Sontowski.

Count 1: Felony Stalking. This charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.749, subdivision 5(a).

A conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Count 2: Interference With Privacy. Prosecutors allege Sontowski entered private property to secretly look through residential windows.

This gross-misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Count 3: Interference With Privacy Using a Device. This allegation involves secretly installing or using a device for observation or recording.

The third charge also carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Both privacy charges fall under Minnesota Statute 609.746.

Court Case Remains Subject to Legal Proceedings

The case is filed under court number 39-CR-26-166 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The supplied complaint does not identify an upcoming hearing date or the outcome of the case.

Readers can search for updates through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The allegations remain unproven unless established through the legal process.

Sontowski is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.