Michael Isaiah Sontowski, 29, is charged with felony stalking and two gross-misdemeanor counts of interfering with privacy.<\/p>\n
According to a criminal complaint, the allegations involve repeated visits to a homeowner’s property during August and October 2026.<\/p>\n
Investigators say Sontowski admitted watching the residence and taking photographs of a woman living there.<\/p>\n
Homeowner Reports Suspicious Activity<\/h2>\n
On October 22, 2026, deputies responded to a Lake of the Woods County residence around 10:56 p.m.<\/p>\n
A homeowner reported seeing an unknown person moving through the property on security footage.<\/p>\n
The woman told authorities she was frightened and requested assistance.<\/p>\n
Deputies searched the property but did not find anyone.<\/p>\n
However, a trail camera captured approximately 31 photographs between 9:09 p.m. and 10:53 p.m.<\/p>\n
The images showed a man moving around the property near the residence.<\/p>\n
Investigators estimated the man was approximately 44 feet from the home’s living room and bedroom windows.<\/p>\n
Deputies reported that someone standing in that location could see inside the home.<\/p>\n
The photographs documented activity spanning nearly two hours.<\/p>\n
Suspect Allegedly Admitted Previous Visits<\/h2>\n
The homeowners told investigators they believed they recognized the man captured in the photographs.<\/p>\n
They identified him as someone previously known to them.<\/p>\n
Deputies later contacted Sontowski at his Baudette residence.<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, Sontowski initially denied being at the property.<\/p>\n
Investigators say he later acknowledged visiting after learning he had been photographed.<\/p>\n
Sontowski allegedly admitted being there on October 22 and again on October 15.<\/p>\n
He described parking down the road and approaching the residence through a neighboring property and wooded ravine.<\/p>\n
During the October 22 visit, he reportedly spent much of his time near a shed.<\/p>\n
He told investigators the home’s lights were on while he watched.<\/p>\n
He claimed he did not see anyone inside.<\/p>\n Investigators also questioned Sontowski about an earlier visit during August 2026.<\/p>\n According to the complaint, he admitted visiting the property hoping to see the female occupant unclothed.<\/p>\n He also reportedly admitted taking photographs of the woman while watching her.<\/p>\n The complaint does not identify the type of camera or device allegedly used.<\/p>\n Authorities included those reported statements in the probable cause allegations supporting the charges.<\/p>\n The complaint filed in Lake of the Woods County District Court lists three counts against Sontowski.<\/p>\n Count 1: Felony Stalking.<\/strong> This charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.749<\/a>, subdivision 5(a).<\/p>\n A conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.<\/p>\n Count 2: Interference With Privacy.<\/strong> Prosecutors allege Sontowski entered private property to secretly look through residential windows.<\/p>\n This gross-misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n Count 3: Interference With Privacy Using a Device.<\/strong> This allegation involves secretly installing or using a device for observation or recording.<\/p>\n The third charge also carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.<\/p>\n Both privacy charges fall under Minnesota Statute 609.746<\/a>.<\/p>\n The case is filed under court number 39-CR-26-166<\/strong> in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.<\/p>\n The supplied complaint does not identify an upcoming hearing date or the outcome of the case.<\/p>\n Readers can search for updates through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The allegations remain unproven unless established through the legal process.<\/p>\n Sontowski is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n![\"Baudette](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Michael-Isaiah-Sontowski-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Complaint Describes Alleged Secret Photography<\/h2>\n
Three Criminal Charges Filed<\/h2>\n
Court Case Remains Subject to Legal Proceedings<\/h2>\n