MITCHELL – Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 27-year-old Brittany Ferguson on charges of residential entry, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, the department received a 911 call reporting a person had broken into a vacant rental home in the 1340 block of Coveyville Road.
Officers responded and found the cabin door open. The refrigerator had been moved outside and a stove with other items were on a trailer in the driveway.
They found 27-year-old Brittany Ferguson behind the residence. She told police she had lived in the home, been evicted was retrieving her personal belongings.
However the owner of the property told police, Ferguson failed to appear in court and the judge had awarded him the property inside of the cabin. He told police he had changed the locks and Ferguson broke in to retrieve the items.
Ferguson said she had used her key to enter through the back door.
Police discovered that Ferguson had vandalized the home. She had taken the vents out of the floor, scattered trash throughout the house, tore down the blinds, removed food from the refrigerator, and threw it on the floor. She also ripped a television off the wall and threw it on the floor.
Police learned Ferguson used three drill bits in an attempt to drill out the back lock and then found a key that had been left for an inspector to enter the home.
Police also found marijuana, syringes and pills in the vehicle located in the driveway to the home.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for Ferguson’s arrest.
Indiana State Police assisted in the investigation.
