Home search nets guns

The arrest came after a weeks-long investigation into an earlier burglary that happened in the Pine Hollow area, according to a sheriff’s office press release. A significant amount of tools, guns and furniture was stolen in that burglary, Magill said.

Investigative efforts ultimately led to the Scovell residence, Magill said.

“We were advised that the stolen property was at that place,” he said.

There, police executing a search warrant found a sawed-off shotgun, which is an illegal weapon for anyone to own, plus 11 guns that Scovell is not

allowed to possess because of his felony criminal record.

Police are still investigating the ownership of the guns, Magill said. However, two BB guns recovered during the search were stolen from the Pine Hollow burglary, he said. Two other firearms taken during that burglary were not recovered, but Magill hopes they will be found.

While the search warrant listed guns, tools and furniture, a sizeable amount of methamphetamine was also discovered while looking for those items, Magill said.

Wasco County District Attorney Eric Nisley said it was common for drugs to be found during the course of warrant searches for other items. Nisley described the quantity of meth as a “commercial” amount, which is why Scovell was charged with possession and delivery of meth.

The MINT team is continuing to work on the case, Magill said.

Deputy Jonathon Swiger led the investigation, Magill said. “He did a great job on this case.”

Scovell’s wife and young son were at the home at the time of arrest, also, Magill said. Scovell was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

Scovell was also charged with first-degree theft by receiving.

Scovell’s criminal history includes possession of controlled substance, multiple driving offenses and a conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia.

This is an ongoing investigation and the sheriff’s office asked that anyone with information on it call them at 541-506-2580.