Man arrested for trespassing in Big Pine Key house

 

A 45-year-old Fort Pierce, Florida man on vacation in the Florida Keys was arrested Tuesday for breaking into a home on Long Beach Road.

 

Matthew Elden Prescott was charged with burglary, property damage and theft.

 

Deputy Timothy Oggeri responded to the three-story house at the end of Long Beach Road at 7 p.m. after a property manager reported that three unknown people had illegally gained entry and appeared to be living inside. Deputy Oggeri found Prescott, a woman and a juvenile inside. All three appeared to be unpacking belongings as if they were on vacation or moving into the residence. There were also three dogs with them. Prescott stated he knew the property owner and was preparing the buy the property. Prescott stated he had permission to be on the property. His story changed several times. Prescott couldn’t name the property owner nor provide the name of his attorney whom he claimed also knew of the situation. Prescott eventually claimed he assumed the residence was abandoned and he could take possession of the property by paying the property taxes.

 

Deputy Oggeri contacted the homeowner in Pennsylvania where she primarily lives. The owner stated the property is not for sale and she did not give anyone other than the property manager permission to be there. She stated the property is locked at all times and should have been unoccupied since Hurricane Irma. She added she wished to press charges.

 

The property manager told Deputy Oggeri that when she checked on the property on Sunday, it was locked and secure. She walked through the residence with Deputy Oggeri. She stated hurricane shutters had been removed since that time. She found one of the dead bolt locks on a door had been removed, providing entry to the residence. The property manager told Deputy Oggeri it appeared some jewelry boxes had been tampered with. She noted that utilities such as power had been turned on in the home.

 

Prescott later admitted not knowing the owner. He admitted that he didn’t have permission to be there. He told Deputy Oggeri he decided to take the woman and juvenile to the Florida Keys for vacation. He stated his original intention was to camp at whatever campsite he could find. Deputy Oggeri did observe camping gear in the house. Prescott said he discovered the property on Monday while driving around and believed it to be abandoned. He then drove to Key West, but all the campsites were too expensive, so he drove back to Long Beach Road. Prescott admitted to taking down the storm shutters. He admitted to removing the dead bolt to gain entry. He admitted to accessing the fuse box and turning on power to the residence.

 

Prescott was taken to jail.

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