Joseph W. Rowden

Katie Lee Fernandez

Sherman F. Rowden

     Three persons were taken into custody this morning by Sheriff’s Deputies after being dispatched to an address on Jade Lane, then going to another address at nearby Hollow Lane.  Deputy Doug Meurer responded at approximately 10:10 AM in response to there possibly being persons inside vacant residences at those locations. 

     Deputy Meurer made contact with the owner of the home at 257Jade Lane.  The owner stated the residence has not been occupied in approximately two (2) years.  Neighbors had been watching over the property in the absence of the owner.  The neighbors had seen persons inside the vacant residence, then contacted the owner who in turn called the Sheriff’s Office.  There was evidence to indicate the residence was being lived in, and there was property damage noted.  The owner also pointed out to deputies an extension cord that was run from his residence to another residence at 309 Jade Lane, and that electricity was being stolen. 

     Deputies also went to a residence at 62 Hollow Lane that, according to the separate property owner there, was also supposed to be vacant.  Deputies believed persons to be inside that residence and knocked repeatedly on the door.  There was no answer.  Deputy Meurer found an unlocked window and made entry through the window.  Inside the residence he encountered a man, later identified as 18 year old JOSEPH W. ROWDEN of Mountain Home.  JOSEPH ROWDEN was taken into custody, and he told deputies there was another person inside the residence.  Deputies then found 26 year old KATIE LEE FERNANDEZ of Mountain Home in the bedroom.  She was also taken into custody. 

     After JOSEPH ROWDEN and KATIE FERNANDEZ were arrested, deputies returned to 257 Jade Lane to obtain witness statements.  They also went to 309 Jade Lane to makes inquiries into the extension cord and apparent theft of electricity.  At that location they found 41 year old SHERMAN F. ROWDEN of Mountain Home.  It was determined there was an outstanding felony bench warrant for his arrest.  SHERMAN ROWDEN was subsequently taken into custody as well.

     All three persons were transported to the Baxter County Detention Center and incarcerated on charges as indicated below:

JOSEPH W. ROWDEN, charged with:

            Residential Burglary – Felony
            Criminal Mischief -2^nd Degree – Misdemeanor
            Obstructing Governmental Operations – Misdemeanor
            Theft of Services – Misdemeanor

     His bond was set at $7,500 with an appearance in Circuit Court set for April 4^th.

KATIE LEE FERNANDEZ, charged with:

            Residential Burglary – Felony
            Criminal Mischief – 1^st Degree – Misdemeanor
            Obstructing Governmental Operations – Misdemeanor
            Theft of Property – Misdemeanor

     Her bond was set at $5,000 with an appearance in Circuit Court set for April 4^th.

SHERMAN F. ROWDEN, charged with:

            Theft of Services (bench warrant) – Felony
            Theft of Services – Misdemeanor

     His bond was set at $5,000 on the felony bench warrant with an appearance in Circuit Court set for April 4^th, and $500 on the misdemeanor charge with an appearance in District Court set for March 29^th.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff