Convicted Felon Arrested For Burglary, Accused Of Moving Into Someone Else's House

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has reported that a convicted felon is now facing more felony charges after he was arrested for moving into a home that didn't belong to him.

Authorities said they responded to a complaint on C Lashley Road in Roundhill where the property owner said someone had broken into his vacant house. The caller also said it appeared as if someone had been living there as several personal items including clothing, bedding, and food were inside, and that someone had placed a padlock on the garage door.

Deputies said they removed the padlock and found more personal property inside that did not belong to the owner along with paperwork and other mail addressed to Rodney McNutt. Authorities said they began an investigation focusing on the personal property and mail.

---

Deputies were called back to the same location just a few hours later by the property owner who was staying at a nearby property. The owner said he saw headlights and noticed someone pulling into the home. Authorities said as they arrived, they were met by Rodney McNutt, 44, of Brownsville, who was exiting the house while carrying several personal items.

Deputies said they questioned McNutt and asked why he was there. They reported that he claimed he'd inherited the property and had been hired by the Department of Defense to provide security there. Authorities also said that McNutt told them "I don't have to follow your laws because I'm a freewill mason of the 33rd and a half degree." It was also reported that McNutt continued telling authorities he was an undercover agent.

The Sheriff's office said that the property owner arrived and said he didn't know the man nor did he give permission for him to be there. Authorities said it was then that McNutt admitted he didn't have the right to be on the property.

After a search was made inside, deputies said they found an unmarked bottle of pills along with a .22 cal rifle. They also reported that McNutt tried to dispose of the pills while he was handcuffed. It was discovered that McNutt was a convicted felon for a prior First Degree Burglary charge. He was arrested and charged with:

• Burglary 3rd degree
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Possession of a controlled substance not in original container

McNutt was lodged in the Hart County Jail where he was released on bond.