BEDFORD – A Bedford man has been arrested following a reported incident of trespassing and criminal mischief at a property in Lawrence County that had recently been sold at a sheriff’s sale.
According to an affidavit filed by Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. R. Compton, on October 14, 2024, deputies responded to a call from the new owner of 388 Woody Farm Road. Inman reported that the previous owner, Curtis Kress, was on the property despite having been ordered to vacate it following the sale of the home.
The property, which includes a single-wide trailer, a stick-built house, and various outbuildings, had been sold at a sheriff’s sale. The new owners were at the property to remove a shed and reported seeing Kress leave the single-wide trailer. He approached the new owners aggressively. Although no threats were made, Kress allegedly insisted the new owners could not be there.
Sgt. Compton arrived at the scene and spoke with Kress, who acknowledged the foreclosure but claimed that the sale had been fraudulent. Despite his objections, Kress was instructed to leave the property and complied. Kress left the premises after retrieving his dog from the residence.
However, during the investigation, it was discovered that Kress had allegedly gained unauthorized entry into both homes on the property. Evidence suggests that Kress entered the single-wide trailer by removing a screen from an unlocked window near the main door. Additionally, he is believed to have accessed the stick-built home by similarly removing a screen from an unlocked window. No damage was reported to the window or screen.
While no items were reportedly removed from the residences Sgt. Compton requested a warrant for Kress’s arrest. He was detained on Saturday, November 16, on charges of residential entry and criminal mischief.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
