Residents of a quiet Medford neighbourhood have been left reeling after a truly unsettling discovery was made beneath a family home. For weeks, an intruder had been leading a secret life, not in a spare room, but within the dank, dark confines of the property's crawl space.
The bizarre saga began when the homeowners noticed small but inexplicable signs that something was amiss. Food began to vanish from the kitchen, and their Wi-Fi data usage inexplicably spiked. The final clue that confirmed their fears was the mysterious operation of their washing machine at odd hours, long after they had gone to bed.
A Chilling Discovery Underfoot
Acting on their suspicions, the family called the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Deputies arrived and conducted a thorough search of the property. Their investigation led them to a hatch leading to the crawl space beneath the house.
Shining a light into the darkness, they found more than just pipes and insulation. There, hidden amongst the shadows, was 34-year-old Benjamin Perrin. He had carved out a clandestine living quarters, complete with a sleeping bag, a stockpile of the family's stolen food, and his mobile phone, which he had been using to connect to the home's Wi-Fi.
The Intruder's Routine Unravels
Investigators pieced together Perrin's audacious routine. He would allegedly wait for the family to leave or fall asleep before emerging from his hiding place. He would then help himself to their food, use their appliances to wash his clothes, and presumably charge his devices before retreating back into his subterranean lair.
The invasion of privacy was total. The family, whose home was meant to be their sanctuary, were unknowingly sharing it with a stranger who listened to their daily lives from just beneath their feet.
Justice Served
Benjamin Perrin was promptly arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree criminal trespass. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail, bringing an end to his secret tenancy.
This shocking case serves as a stark reminder for homeowners to remain vigilant. It underscores the importance of securing all potential entry points to a property, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. A strange noise, missing items, or unusual utility usage can all be signs that something is terribly wrong.
