A Prescott couple got caught breaking into the house they had recently been evicted from, though they denied going inside.

Jody Lynn Davis, 57, posted a $10,000 signature bond Oct. 19 in Pierce County Circuit Court on felony burglary – building or dwelling (as party to a crime), criminal trespass to dwelling (as party to a crime), misdemeanor bail jumping, possession of THC and possess drug paraphernalia charges. Robert Ernest Kaase, 59, homeless, posted a $10,000 signature bond Oct. 19 as well on felony possession of methamphetamine, felony burglary – building or dwelling (as party to a crime), criminal trespass to dwelling (as party to a crime) and possess drug paraphernalia charges. If convicted, the maximum penalty is 12.5 years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000.

According to the complaint:

At 4:55 p.m. Oct. 18, an officer saw a vehicle with Minnesota plates at 201 N. Flora St. with people loading items into it. Multiple people had just been evicted from the residence and were not supposed to be there. One officer saw Davis exit the fenced-in yard, look around and walk back toward the house, where the officer saw the back door open and close several times. The door had previously been secured with a padlock and clasp. Davis and Kaase could be seen loading items quickly into the truck, looking around nervously like they were in a hurry. When officers saw the green Chevy pull out of the driveway, they conducted a traffic stop. Davis and Kaase were identified and not allowed to be at the residence per the victim’s attorney.

Davis told officers they hadn’t gone into the house and had picked up stuff outside the residence that was waiting for them. Another officer on the scene confirmed someone had forced entry into the home by kicking in the door. Davis then told police the victim’s attorney had given them permission to enter the house. She said if officers would give her a break, she’d follow the “proper protocol” for collecting belongings the next time.

Police reached the homeowner’s power of attorney, who advised Davis and Kaase did not have permission to be at the residence. They had been told a time would be arranged for them to pick up their stuff. Kaase said the door was kicked in by police during the eviction process. Davis began to become more and more agitated and move things around the vehicle. They were asked to step out of the vehicle, at which time Kaase was handcuffed and placed in a squad.

The K9 officer responded to the scene with K9 Caesar, who alerted on the truck. Inside police located a one hitter, a red container holding methamphetamine, two gem bags with meth inside a pair of gloves, a Marksman BB gun and other contraband. Davis was also placed under arrest at this time and they were transported to Pierce County Jail.

Officers examined the home and found a door had been forced open and screws from the clasp pulled out. The front door was also left unlocked. Although officers heard noises inside the house, no one was located inside it.

Both Davis and Kaase are scheduled to appear in court for status conferences Nov. 28.