A Kenai man has been charged with vehicle theft and forgery after an investigation into a burglarized residence, according to an affidavit filed at the Kenai Courthouse on Saturday. Andy Campos, 57, allegedly stole a vehicle and other valuables from a vacant Nikiski residence and later rented the residence out to a third party under the false pretenses that he was the property owner.
According to the affidavit, troopers had received a call on April 11 about a possible burglary and vehicle theft at a residence on Littmitz Avenue in Nikiski. Troopers contacted the property owner who said that she had not been at the residence for about two years and that the buildings and vehicle — a tan Toyota Sienna minivan — had been secured prior to leaving. The property owner gave troopers a list of valuables that were in the residence, including four TVs, two Xbox One gaming consoles and 4 DVD players valuing approximately $2,056. There was also a backpack with important documents including birth certificates and vehicle titles in the back of the minivan, according to the affidavit.
When troopers investigated the residence in question on April 12, they found the door unlocked and the vehicle missing from the driveway, as well as extensive damage and trash throughout the home and adjacent shop. None of the items that the property owner had mentioned were located. Damage was estimated at more than $750, and troopers described the scene as “unsalvageable” in the affidavit.
While investigating the burglarized residence, troopers were approached by a neighbor who allegedly told them that she was renting the property in question from Campos. The neighbor showed troopers a lease dated April 11, 2019 that had signatures from her and Campos. The neighbor said that Campos drove a tan minivan similar to the one in question and that the minivan had gone missing from the property sometime between August and September of 2018, troopers reported.
Later that day, troopers found Campos on Princess Street in Kenai driving the missing minivan, according to the affidavit. While being questioned by troopers, Campos allegedly stated that he had bought the minivan from someone last summer but had lost the title. When troopers questioned Campos about the lease agreement, he denied that the signature on the lease was his own, troopers reported.
While placing Campos under arrest, troopers allegedly found a food stamps card belonging to the property owner in question.
Campos is facing one count of first-degree vehicle theft, a class C felony, one count of first-degree burglary, a class B felony, one count of second-degree theft, a class C felony, one count of third-degree criminal mischief, a class C felony, one count of violating the conditions of release, a class B misdemeanor, one count of second-degree forgery, a class C felony, and one count of obtaining a signature by deception, a class A misdemeanor.
