Lake of the Woods County (trfnews.i234.me) — Justin Christian Lewis Bowser of Andover is facing felony charges after a reported tool theft near Baudette.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Lake of the Woods County District Court, Bowser is charged with third-degree burglary and felony theft.
The case is filed under court file number 39-CR-26-61 in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District.
Trail Camera Leads To Traffic Stop
The complaint says the case began on April 24, 2026, at about 1:50 p.m.
David Nelson reported that a trail camera showed a brown 1990s Chevrolet pickup in his yard.
Nelson told authorities the property was clearly marked with “No Trespassing” signs.
A Lake of the Woods County deputy later stopped a truck matching that description on County Road 1.
Bowser was identified as the driver. Mara Helen Krull of Ham Lake was listed as the passenger.
Dewalt Tools Found In Pickup
During the stop, authorities said they saw a cardboard box in the back seat.
The box appeared to contain yellow Dewalt tools.
A shipping label on the box had the name of a nearby resident.
The complaint says Bowser and Krull first said they were driving around.
They also said they had stopped near Carp Hall to look for a geocache.
When asked about the name on the box, Bowser allegedly asked to speak outside the truck.
The complaint states Bowser then admitted entering a building near Carp Community Hall.
He allegedly said he stole the box of tools.
Bowser also claimed Krull had no role in the incident.
Felony Charges Filed
The owner later confirmed the tools had been stored in a building near Carp Community Hall.
Authorities reported recovering nine Dewalt tools, three battery chargers, and one battery.
The listed value of the recovered items was about $1,485.
Investigators also reported seeing what appeared to be a footwear print inside the building entrance.
Bowser was booked into the Lake of the Woods County Jail.
The third-degree burglary charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.582.
The felony theft charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
Each felony count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
More court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
The charges are allegations. Bowser is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
