LAKE WALES, Fla. — Deputies have arrested and charged two suspects who they said broke into a Lake Wales home in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
Just before 10 a.m. Thursday, the Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a burglary at a vacant residence off of Fast Trot Trail. Once deputies arrived, they found the rear door open with the two suspects inside.
Initially, Derik Jansen, 34, and Kathryn Cooper, 50, reportedly told deputies that they were given permission to live at the home, but then they later admitted that they broke in to "escape Hurricane Milton."
According to the sheriff's office, the floor was covered in broken houseware, and the drywall inside was severely damaged. Jansen and Cooper both admitted to causing the damage, and deputies confirmed that it was not from the storm.
Deputies also got in contact with the owner of the residence who said that "no one had permission to be inside the home."
Jansen, who officials said has a criminal history, was charged with burglary and criminal mischief.
Cooper was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and resisting arrest. According to deputies, Cooper also has a criminal history.
Both received enhanced charges for burglarizing a residence during a state of emergency, the agency said.
"In Polk County, we have zero tolerance for criminals who victimize those affected by hurricanes. Hurricane Milton damaged many homes — and Cooper and Jensen added to that damage by vandalizing a home," Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. "This is unacceptable behavior, and they will receive enhanced charges for burglary during a state of emergency."
