Apr 14, 20232 min read

A male and female get arrested for squatting in a home in Vernal

Posted by Travis Uresk | April 14th, 2023 | Trespass & Drugs |

By Travis Uresk

4/14/23

Vernal, Ut.- On 4/10/23, Officer Ross received a phone call from an off-duty officer saying he saw a male inside a residence at 155 West 100 North.

There is currently extra patrol detail in that area due to individuals staying inside the abandoned home. Officer Ross responded to that same address a week before to a similar incident where he located the same male inside the home.

The 32-year-old Stephen Larry Edwards male admitted he was not supposed to be inside the residence and would be charged with trespassing.

Officer McCurdy and Officer O’Donnal arrived at the residence and noticed the lights were on inside the home even though the house is known to be abandoned. They were met by Stephen and 45-year-old Amanda Alexis Evers.

The Officers knew both of them from previous incidents with law enforcement. Stephen and Amanda were immediately placed in handcuffs, and they both stated they were allowed to be there due to the previous owner being deceased and they were working on purchasing the home. Amanda stated, "if they weren't allowed in the residence, why would they be cleaning it?"

Officer O'Donnal contacted the owner of the residence, and he stated he was alive and well. He stated no one was supposed to be inside the home as it had not been rented out or purchased. The owner said he didn't want Stephen or Amanda inside the residence as he was trying to renovate it and possibly sell it. The owner added he wanted Stephen and Amanda charged with trespassing.

Officer O'Donnal informed Stephen and Amanda that they were under arrest for criminal trespass. While searching to arrest Amanda, Officers found a plastic straw and a clear box container with methamphetamine inside. They also found a glass pipe with meth residue.

Amanda was transported to the Uintah County Jail to be booked on charges, where she disclosed to the jail nurse that she had recently used methamphetamine.