Cabin Burglary Suspects Caught After Leaving Flashlight with Their Names Engraved Behind

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Arrest warrants have been issued for two Lakes Area residents after leaving a flashlight with their names engraved on it at a cabin they’re accused of breaking into.

Dale Edward Defoe Jr., 27, of rural Ogema and Natasha Louise French, 25, of Mahnomen have both been charged with felony second-degree burglary. They’re accused of breaking into a cabin on East Height of Land Drive on March 4, 2021.

DNA on a cigarette butt found in the living room contained Defoe’s DNA. A flashlight was also found at the scene that had “FRENCH” engraved on one side and “DEFOE” engraved on the other. Additionally a passerby saw the two stuck in the driveway and gave police a license plate number and description of French, who had bright red hair.

Arrest warrants were issued for both Defoe and French after they failed to show for their first court hearings on May 26.