Authorities in Dakota County, Minnesota, have arrested two individuals, Cardle Lee Brown-Jones, 23, of Coon Rapids, and Joven Devon Louis Wallace, 23, of Maplewood, in connection with a November 2024 burglary in Lakeville. The crime, which involved the theft of a vehicle and fraudulent use of stolen credit cards, has led to multiple felony charges against both men.
Case Background
On November 21, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Brown-Jones and Wallace allegedly broke into a residential home in Lakeville. According to court documents from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, the suspects gained entry to the home by opening a side door leading to the attached garage. Inside the garage, they located a Toyota Highlander, which was later stolen.
After entering the garage, the suspects proceeded into the main living area, where they took wallets, credit cards, electronic devices, and other valuables. Investigators believe the homeowners were asleep at the time. Security footage from a neighboring residence captured two masked individuals fleeing the scene on foot, before returning to a stolen Chevrolet Silverado, which was later linked to another auto theft in Elko New Market, MN.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects also attempted to use the stolen credit cards at Walmart and Target stores in Roseville and Plymouth. Surveillance footage from the Target store in Plymouth showed the two suspects attempting to purchase high-value electronics, though their transactions were declined due to fraud alerts.
Forensic Evidence and Investigation
With fresh snow on the ground, investigators used a drone to follow footprints from the garage to the street where the suspects had parked the stolen Silverado. Both the Silverado and the Toyota Highlander were later recovered in Minneapolis. Forensic teams recovered DNA evidence and digital records, including cell phone location data, which allegedly placed both suspects at the scene of the crime.
Arrests and Charges
Cardle Lee Brown-Jones was arrested on February 5, 2025, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He faces charges including:
First-degree burglary (occupied dwelling) – a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines up to $35,000.
Theft of a motor vehicle – a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Brown-Jones, a convicted felon with a history of residential burglaries, was linked to the crime through forensic evidence, including an alleged Facebook account under the name “Munnagang King” where he listed stolen PlayStation and Xbox consoles for sale.
Joven Devon Louis Wallace was arrested on March 6, 2025, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Wallace faces the same charges as Brown-Jones. Surveillance footage from the Plymouth Target store showed Wallace alongside Brown-Jones during the fraudulent transactions.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Prosecutors are seeking aggravated sentencing for Brown-Jones due to his repeat offender status, and they have recommended a bail amount of $100,000 without conditions for both men. Brown-Jones’s next court appearance is set for March 12, 2025, in Hastings, Minnesota. Wallace’s first appearance is set for March 7, 2025.
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has emphasized the seriousness of the charges, given the suspects’ criminal histories, and they are seeking the maximum penalties to ensure public safety.
Public Safety Concerns and Legal Considerations
While both men face serious charges, they are entitled to a fair trial and presumed innocent until proven guilty. Further updates on the case will depend on how the legal process unfolds.
This case highlights the importance of surveillance, forensic evidence, and collaboration among law enforcement agencies in solving complex crimes like burglary and vehicle theft.