Hoarding
Tehachapi, CA (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Aug 31, 2005
County: Kern
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Erika A. Cribb
» Michael J. Trebilcott
On Oct. 24 the home, paint peeling, surrounded by mounds of debris and littered with animal feces, was sold in a foreclosure auction to a limited liability corporation called Urban Renewal Project. The sale was recorded on Nov. 4.
Urban Renewal spoke through their attorney, Philip Toomey, and said that "the property will be rehabilitated consistent with the neighborhood, and sold."
The house has for years been an eyesore with debris and automobiles piled around it. The occupants, Erika Cribb and Michael Trebilcott, have a long history with the Kern County code compliance unit. They have also had troubles with the sheriff's department and have been charged with animal abuse, elder abuse and passing counterfeit bills.
In early November, the condition of the home became so deteriorated that the county tagged the home as unsafe, sub-standard and uninhabitable. No one was legally allowed in the residence except to clean and remove the debris. However, by all appearances and by his own admission, Trebilcott and Cribb are still living there. They have made some efforts to clear debris from the main entrance to the house, but the stench and most of the debris still remain.
According to the Kern County code compliance department, anyone found to be inside the home and not actively removing waste may be removed by the sheriff's department. Occupancy of a house declared uninhabitable is a misdemeanor offense. Violators may be arrested.
The sheriff's department was not officially notified by the code compliance office, and did not become aware of the status of the house until late afternoon on Nov. 18.
Trebilcott contests the sale of the home and all charges made against him. He disagrees with the uninhabitable classification of the house. He states that he is fighting all of these situations through his lawyer. Until these issues are resolved, he claims that he has the right to live in the home, which he considers to be his. References« CA State Animal Cruelty Map
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