Deputies arrest felon found in abandoned home with guns, drugs and ammunition

An East Bernstadt man was arrested last week after local police found him hiding in the bedroom of an abandoned rural home, armed with a firearm and a knife.

Robert Scott Sheppard, 34, was charged with criminal trespassing, first-degree burglary possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia carrying a concealed deadly weapon, three counts of theft of a firearm and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

According to Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Bowling, the incident started when officers received a call from the local woman last Wednesday of a possible burglary in progress at her father’s home in the Tye’s Ferry area.

"She had received a call from an old boyfriend and he sounded like he was impaired or intoxicated," Bowling said. "She looked at the caller ID and noticed it was coming from her father’s house. Since her father is in one of the local nursing homes, she knew something was wrong."

Bowling said the boyfriend, Sheppard, told the woman he welcomed the police to come and try to get him.

Led by Sgt. Dennis Foley, Bowling, deputy Brett Reeves and Constable Lonnie Foley descended on the property and encircled the home, all taking up tactical position. Bowling said officer found Shepherds truck parked near the home and found four assault-type rifles inside along with an assortment of keys on a key ring. The guns had been reported stolen. After securing nearby outbuildings, the officer made entry into the house using one of the keys. Sheppard had, apparently, used a ladder to break into the home through a second-story window.

Officers discovered Sheppard hiding near the bed in a back bedroom. Near him was a rifle. In his pockets police found ammunition and what is described as a "razor knife." Some marijuana was discovered in a false book lying on a table near the bed. Bowling said he could smell a strong smell of marijuana smoke when officers entered.

In all, five weapons were discovered in Sheppard’s possession – two long-arm rifles, two revolvers and the knife.

Bowling said it appeared as if Sheppard was going to steal items from the home.

"He was under the influence. I don’t know why he called his ex-girlfriend. Maybe he wanted her along for the ride."
In addition to the charges, Michele Neal recently swore out a warrant against Sheppard, accusing him of unlawful imprisonment related to the incident.

Neal claims earlier that night, Sheppard forced her into his vehicle and made her drive him to the home. Once they arrived, Neal stated Sheppard would not let her out of the vehicle, grabbing her by the hair and forcing her to run to keep up with the vehicle. Once Sheppard stopped the vehicle, Neal claims he punched her multiple times and put her in a headlock.

Sheppard was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Whitley District Court in Corbin on Tuesday. Foley, who was the arresting officer, failed to appear due to illness. Sheppard’s attorney asked the charges against his client be dismissed, but District Judge Jason Price sided with the prosecutor who argued he could be held five more days without a hearing. A new hearing is scheduled for next Monday in Whitley District Court in Williamsburg.