ANCHOR POINT — A man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested Friday evening after Alaska State Troopers found him and a woman illegally collecting gravel from a private pit behind a forced-open gate.
Troopers say Charles Rockett, 54, and Laurie Farmer, 63, were discovered hiding behind a gravel pile at the Dibble Creek Rock pit on Luke Road around 7 p.m. on June 20. A trooper recognized Rockett as a passenger in a vehicle earlier in the evening, prompting a search that led to the gravel pit.
According to charging documents, the pair had bypassed the locked gate by manipulating the chain to appear secure and were using a multicolored Chevrolet truck to load gravel, which authorities believe may not have been their first load. When questioned, Farmer claimed they had permission, while Rockett gave conflicting answers.
Both were on conditions of release in separate pending criminal cases and are now charged with first-degree criminal trespass, fourth-degree theft, and violating conditions of release.
Rockett was also arrested on his June 9 warrant, and both were transported to Homer Jail.
The property owner confirmed no permission had been given and said he intended to pursue charges.