On Aug. 12, arrests were made following an investigation into squatters on private and state lands east of Snowflake off Old Woodruff Road. According to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO), the investigation began in June when deputies made contact with Brendan Anderson, 39, and Eilene Dukes, 41, both of Snowflake, who were given 30 days to vacate and clean the premises. The couple was also issued two additional warnings all of which were disregarded. Deputies then arrested Anderson and Dukes who were each charged with trespassing and criminal littering. They were booked into the Navajo County Jail and are being held on a $5,000 secured bond. Contractors hired by the Arizona State Land Department removed more than 26,000 pounds of litter from the property, as well as two travel trailers. The owner of the private property will contribute to the cost of cleanup. Sheriff David Clouse said, “These types of incidents are increasing around the county. When a property owner notifies my office, we work together with our partners to develop a solution so the property owner can reclaim their property. I appreciate the hard work done by the community resource deputy, the Arizona State Land Department, Navajo County Public Works, and the Navajo County Attorney’s Office.”
