Two people are now facing felony charges after a months-long police investigation that tied them to a series of early-morning garage burglaries cutting through St. Paul's Highland Park and Mac-Groveland neighborhoods. Investigators say crews targeted garages and unlocked vehicles between midnight and 6 a.m., taking e-bikes, power tools and lawnmowers. Authorities say surveillance video and vehicle identification were key to linking suspects to the break-ins.
The Ramsey County Attorney's Office has charged 21-year-old Christopher Michael Novotny and 30-year-old Cortney Marie Howard with multiple felony counts, according to the Pioneer Press. Novotny is charged in 13 cases and Howard in nine, with court filings detailing stolen e-bikes and yard equipment among the items listed. Police say they served a search warrant at a Minneapolis residence where Howard was taken into custody, and report that Novotny was arrested after briefly running from officers.
How investigators say they cracked the case
According to investigators, a sedan with temporary license tags that was seen leaving some of the burglary scenes, combined with Ring and other surveillance footage, helped turn early tips into named suspects. Sgt. Brian Townsend told the Pioneer Press he had "linked the pair to about 50 burglaries," and Cmdr. John Cajacob credited sustained detective work over several months. Officers say they later located the vehicle in south Minneapolis and used that lead to obtain search warrants that produced additional evidence.
Alleged tactics and what was taken
The criminal complaint lays out a pattern investigators say they uncovered: suspects allegedly used stolen or purchased license plates on stolen cars to obscure registrations, and engaged in what investigators call "car shopping" - checking unlocked vehicles for valuables and for garage-door openers. Ring-camera footage reportedly showed Howard in a backyard where her face and distinctive tattoos were visible, and police say they recovered at least some of the stolen property as the case progressed. Court documents list e-bikes, power tools and lawnmowers among the items seized.
Charges, court and civil rights
Both defendants face felony counts tied to residential burglaries, with Novotny charged in 13 cases and Howard in nine, according to the criminal filings. Howard's attorney, Tyler DeHaven, told reporters she is presumed innocent and is entitled to fair treatment in the legal system. The Ramsey County Attorney's Office is prosecuting the cases, and court records will reflect arraignment dates along with the full slate of charges.
Investigation remains active
Police say the charges and arrests mark a key step in a months-long probe, but emphasize that the investigation is still active as they continue processing evidence and following leads. St. Paul officers are asking anyone with information about similar break-ins to contact detectives so they can complete their review. Officials say the series of thefts serves as a reminder for residents to secure garages and remove valuables from vehicles.
