MITCHELL — A Mitchell man was taken into custody late Tuesday night after police allegedly caught him entering a residence in violation of an active protective order and trespass warning.
James W. Crawford, 41, of Mitchell, was arrested by the Mitchell Police Department on Sept. 22, 2026, and remanded to the Lawrence County Jail. He faces preliminary charges of criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor, and invasion of privacy, a Class A misdemeanor.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Mitchell Police Officer Jacob McMillen, officers responded to a home in the 100 block of East Grissom Avenue at approximately 11:08 p.m. regarding a reported protective order violation.
Upon arrival, Officer McMillen and Assistant Chief Jacob Kuhlman spoke with the female resident. She reported that Crawford, her ex-boyfriend, had entered her home earlier that evening while she was asleep and left handwritten notes inside.
Officers confirmed that an active protective order was in place against Crawford and that he had previously been formally trespassed from the property. While officers were gathering statements and evidence, police were advised that Crawford was en route back to the residence on foot.
Officers positioned their patrol vehicles nearby to maintain visual surveillance on the property. Shortly after, police observed Crawford arrive on foot, enter the property, and go into the residence through a door located at the back of the garage.
Officer McMillen approached the rear of the home and confronted Crawford as he walked back outside. Crawford was taken into custody without incident, searched, and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
