BEDFORD — A Bedford man faces criminal charges after allegedly trespassing on private property on a four-wheeler and smashing a trail camera with a stick because he was having a “bad day”.
Jeremiah Thomas Goens, 28, is charged with criminal mischief and criminal trespass following an investigation into an April 15 incident.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Lawrence County Police Officer Thomas Porter was contacted on April 16 by a property representative who reported having video and photographic evidence of Goens riding an ATV on land located in the 6500 block of River Road without permission.
The property owner’s relative had set up a trail camera, which captured footage of the intrusion before the camera and its mounting equipment were intentionally damaged. Police noted that Goens had previously been warned on multiple occasions that he was barred from the property.
During an interview with Officer Porter after being advised of his rights, Goens claimed he thought he was on a different person’s property. However, when questioned about the damaged equipment, Goens admitted to striking the trail camera with a stick, citing a “bad day” for his actions.
Following the investigation and his admission, criminal charges were filed against Goens.
