March 4, 2022 - sixty-three-year old Troy Crandall of Forks, was sentenced to 17.5 months in prison and restitution of $20,220.60 after his convictions for Malicious Mischief in the First Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, and Trafficking in Stolen Property in the First Degree.
Court records indicate that on October 22, 2021 a deer hunter reported an active cedar theft taking place behind a locked Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) gate. DNR Officer Allan Nelson responded to the area and found numerous freshly cut cedar blocks along with two men sitting in a nearby vehicle. The two men were cold, wet, covered in cedar saw dust, and smelled of chainsaw gas. Officer Nelson asked the passenger what was going on, and Mr. Crandall interjected “this is corporate bull@#$& this bridge is just rotting away.”
Photographs of the bridge foundation
On February 2, 2022 a Jefferson County jury found Mr. Crandall guilty as charged. Based on his convictions and criminal history Mr. Crandall had a sentencing range of 15-20 months. At sentencing Deputy Prosecutor Anna Phillips asked the court to impose the top of the range – 20 months in custody – because the crime created danger to others by critically damaging a bridge in addition to restricting access to a section of forest from fire fighters and search and rescue.
Mr. Crandall stated he had lived in the area for a long time but ultimately stated he was “sorry, not sorry.”
Judge Keith Harper stated the defendant had no remorse and essentially no defense for the three charges. Judge Harper then sentenced Mr. Crandall to 17.5 months in custody. The Prosecution also requested that the Defendant be barred from DNR land for 10 years, however, the Court disagreed with this request and did not grant it.
Prosecutor James Kennedy said “while we are disappointed that the defendant was not prohibited from entering DNR lands, we do appreciate that someone who has damaged public infrastructure and thereby placed the public in danger was held accountable”.
For further information contact Deputy Prosecutor Anna Phillips at (360) 385-9180
