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Trespassers with flashlights reported inside Rolling Hills Asylum, East Bethany

By Billie Owens

The owners of Rolling Hills Asylum in East Bethany called dispatch to report that an unauthorized person or persons are inside the building and a flashlight can be seen probing the darkness. Sheriff's deputies are responding. The location is 11001 E. Bethany Road in East Bethany.

Doug Yeomans

I would normally say to throw trespassers into jail, but I like to remain objective. I know it's wrong but were they just having a look-around or were they vandalizing? I live pretty close to the place and have been past it too many times to count. The place has "NO TRESPASSING" signs everywhere so there's no excuse, but the place does have historic curiosity written all over it. Some people just can't resist the temptation to go in and see what it's all about. Trespassing there is criminal but it's not always malicious. Ticket them and send them on their way, but jail, Kyle? C'mon homie....do you need some calming herbs and a Twinkie?

Nov 20, 2012, 6:40am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Dave, I know. I said it's not right, but have you seen the place? It's not a palace..lol. Okay Okay...throw them into jail and save them from lead paint poisoning

:-)

I even offered happy time and a snack!

Nov 20, 2012, 8:12am Permalink
Dave Olsen

I know, as I have wrote on here before, I don't believe in throwing everyone in jail. I believe in atonement, these people want to know so much about the place I'm sure the owners could find something for them to do around there. People need to learn respect for others and their property, I don't think our criminal justice system is getting that done. Being accountable for your actions. Hoard your twinkies, they'll last for 20-30 years.

Nov 20, 2012, 8:43am Permalink
Raymond Richardson

Trespassing generally isn't a jailing offense. Usually an appearance ticket is issued, and when the case can be bargained down to a mere violation with a either a CD or COD as the punishment.

However, Kyle, if it makes you feel any better we can get the tar boiling now, and pluck the geese?

Nov 20, 2012, 8:55am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Doug normally I'd agree but this place's owner has put alot of blood sweat and tears into this place. She has also promoted it and its been used for 2 movies and several tv shows. She has a large group of volunteers and has made a business there. Most of the people that break in and trespass do so to avoid paying, or have been kicked out for not obeying the sites rules while visiting. I am friends with the current owner and when she bought it, she had me put up some of those signs and solar security lights, as well as help w minor repairs including fixing up after break ins. So my personal feelings on the breakins are a little bit biased. She has even had groups who paid for an overnight event have outsiders break in while they were there. Thats why I made the comments I did.

How would you feel if your shed was broken into and had things stolen on a regular basis, even after you place posted no trespassing signs on it?

Nov 20, 2012, 9:03am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Kyle, I was aware that you know the owners from previous posts. I was not aware that there were tours available, though. I've always wanted to have a tour down every corridor, basement, attic and behind every hidden door. I'd gladly pay for that opportunity. I live right down the road from suicide corners so it might be 5 minutes from my house.

I know what it's like to have people trespass on my property. For 15 years I was constantly running people off of 26 acres I owned in Wethersfield on Devinney Rd. When I lived in Rochester I had to stop locking my doors so that people would stop kicking them down while robbing the place. I've also had a utility trailer and a 4 wheeler stolen right from my driveway in East Bethany.

Even after all of those things happening to me, I still try to remain objective. Mischief is mischief and that's all it is. I would not want anyone in my house or my barn or my shed but they don't hold the same fascination as does the old asylum. I get the part that it's still a crime....but to put them into jail just for being idiots is kind of over the top. That's why I wanted to know if they were just in there for the freak effect or if they were doing actual damage. I'd feel a whole lot differently if it was someone's home.

Okay...so about that twinkie. I have 4 boxes frozen in my freezer. They should last about 300 years that way. Hit me with an email sometime, Kyle, or search for me on FB. dougyeomans at gmail dot com.

Nov 20, 2012, 12:29pm Permalink

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