POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two individuals were taken into custody by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on October 10th, 2024, for allegedly burglarizing a vacant home in Lake Wales while Hurricane Milton impacted the region.
Deputies responded to a burglary in progress call at a residence on Fast Trot Trail at approximately 9:40 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the rear door of the home had been forced open and two suspects were inside.
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The suspects, identified as 34-year-old Derik Jansen and 50-year-old Kathryn Cooper, initially claimed they had been granted permission to stay at the residence. However, they later confessed to breaking in to seek shelter from the hurricane. The interior of the home was found to be significantly damaged, with broken household items and damaged drywall. The suspects admitted to causing the damage, which was not storm-related.
The homeowner confirmed that no one had been given permission to be inside the property.
“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. This is unacceptable behavior, and they will receive enhanced charges for burglary during a state of emergency,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
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Both Jansen and Cooper have prior criminal histories. Jansen faces charges of burglary and criminal mischief, while Cooper faces charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. Due to the state of emergency declared in response to Hurricane Milton, both suspects face enhanced penalties for their alleged crimes.
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