Houseboat squatter wants to craft his own plea agreement

wireready_09-16-2018-11-18-07_04369_chrisalsup

A man, charged with breaking into a houseboat docked in an area marina and living on the craft for a short time, appeared during a session of Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday.

During his court appearance, 34-year-old Christopher Alsup attempted to pick and choose among the charges against him. He offered to plead guilty to the criminal mischief charges but not to the others. Circuit Judge Gordon Webb turned down Alsup’s approach. Alsup is now charged with residential burglary, theft of property, criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Webb told Alsup it is not his practice to accept pleas from defendants until they have had a chance to meet with a lawyer.

A Baxter County sheriff’s deputy was called to the marina early this month to check a report some unwanted guests were thought to be aboard one of the houseboats docked there.

As the deputy entered the houseboat and worked his way through the boat, he eventually found Alsup and a female, who identified herself as Kora Hardy, asleep in a bedroom. Hardy told the deputy she was eight months pregnant.

The deputy noted the stereo was playing, lights were on and dirty dishes and open food containers were also observed.

According to the deputy’s report, Alsup admitted to being on the boat for two days. He said it was unlocked when he made entry. The deputy did note no signs of forced entry when he came through the front sliding door to check out the squatting complaint.

Officials at the marina also reported to the sheriff’s office Alsup and Hardy were captured on video surveillance taking another boat out on the lake for a late afternoon spin on September 6th. The boat was returned, but may have suffered damage when it was put back on its lift.

In addition, the deputy found a used syringe along with a small green tin container appearing to contain marijuana in a bag to which Hardy claimed ownership.

According to a news release issued by Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery, it is anticipated charges will be filed against Hardy at a later date. She is currently not in custody.

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI