Howard Lake arson used as diversion for Cokato bank break-ins

Two metro-area men have been charged with arson, and a third suspect will likely be charged, in connection with a Howard Lake house fire on Sixth Avenue March 16, according to the Howard Lake Police Department.
Michael Hartsook Gotsch, 21, of Spring Lake Park and Michael Todd Rolla, 20, of Blaine have been formally charged with arson, while a third suspect is awaiting a court date, according to Howard Lake Police Chief Dan Lang.
“Through the investigation, it was discovered that the suspects set the house fire in Howard Lake to concentrate units in Howard Lake,” Lang said. “They then used that diversion to burglarize the banks in Cokato.”

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