February 10, 2024 9:40 a.m. 

Two transients were jailed following a reported burglary incident east of Roseburg on Thursday.

A report from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said earlier in his shift, a deputy had been made aware that squatters had moved into a residence in the 10,000 block of Southbank Road. At about 2:00 p.m. the deputy received a call from staff with the Douglas County Parks Department advising that the squatters had cut down two Douglas Fir trees on county property, as the home shares a property line with Whistler’s Bend Park.

The deputy called the property owner who lives outside the state. He said that no one should be at the house. When deputies got to the residence it was apparent that the transients had completely moved in as there as there was power, water, televisions, cars and tons of property inside, including animals. Later the deputies were able contact 32-year-old Cody Rasmussen and 29-year-old Patricia Rasmussen. Cody Rasmussen claimed that a man named Doug had allowed them to move in for $13,500. He also said he had cut down the trees as he thought they were going to fall on the house.

The report said the statements had no validity. Both suspects were charged with first-degree counts of burglary and trespass, second degree criminal mischief and theft of services. Cody Rasmussen was also charged with unlawful cutting and transporting of special forest products. He was detained on $30,000 bail while Patricia Rasmussen was held on $20,000 bail.