LAWRENCE CO. – A Bedford man has been arrested and charged with residential entry and criminal mischief after allegedly entering a property sold at a sheriff’s sale. Curtis W Kress, 59, of Bedford, was taken into custody following an incident on October 14, 2024, at a residence on Woody Farm Road.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Department Sergeant R. Compton Jr., deputies responded to a call from the new property owner following a sheriff’s sale. The new owner reported that the previous owner, Curtis Kress, was trespassing on the property.
The property includes a single-wide trailer, a stick-built home, and several outbuildings. Upon arrival, Sgt. Compton spoke with a friend of the new owner and the owner’s parents. They stated they were at the property for the owner to take down a shed when they observed Kress exit the single-wide residence and approach them. While no threats were made, Kress allegedly told the new owners they could not be there.
Sgt. Compton then spoke with Kress, who acknowledged the sheriff’s sale but claimed it was fraudulent. Kress was instructed to leave the property, which he eventually did with his mother and dog after retrieving the animal from the single-wide residence.
Further investigation revealed that Kress allegedly forced entry into the single-wide trailer and the stick-built home. It is believed he gained access to both by removing screens from unlocked windows. No damage to the screens or windows was reported, and no items were reported missing from the residences.
Based on the investigation, Sgt. Compton requested a warrant for Kress’s arrest. He was subsequently taken into custody on Thursday, May 8.
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.
