Three people are facing multiple felony charges in connection with an alleged burglary at the home of a longtime Grants Pass resident who had recently passed away, according to records from the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office and Jackson County Circuit Court.

Tom Curtis Milstead, Brittany Pope (also known as Brittany Brown), and Kenneth “Kenny” Allen Yakel are each charged under Jackson County District Attorney Case No. 363393 with two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, one count of Burglary in the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, one count of Theft in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, and one misdemeanor count.

Prosecutors allege the charges stem from the burglary of a residence belonging to a woman who had lived in the Grants Pass community for many years before her death. Investigators allege the home was unlawfully entered, property was stolen, and the residence sustained significant damage, resulting in both theft and criminal mischief charges. Authorities have not publicly released a detailed inventory of the property allegedly taken.

According to prosecutors, Yakel had worked as the property’s landscaper, giving him regular access to the residence. Court records allege Yakel informed Milstead and Pope that the home was unoccupied following the homeowner’s death, information investigators say facilitated the alleged burglary. Those allegations have not been tested in court.

Each of the three defendants faces the following charges:

  • Two counts of Burglary in the First Degree
  • One count of Burglary in the Second Degree
  • One count of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree
  • One count of Theft in the First Degree
  • One count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
  • One count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree
  • One misdemeanor count

Under Oregon law, Burglary in the First Degree generally alleges unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime inside. Aggravated Theft in the First Degree is typically charged when the alleged value of stolen property exceeds statutory thresholds, while Criminal Mischief charges relate to alleged damage to another person’s property. The filing of criminal charges does not constitute evidence of guilt.

The case has been continued, with the next court appearance currently scheduled for late July 2026.

Milstead, Pope, and Yakel are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Written in partnership with Tom White