Sheriff: Man lying on home owner’s bed arrested for burglary, vandalism

A Claxton man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs was found lying on a home owner’s bed in a house on Edgemoor Road on Thursday, and he was arrested on burglary and vandalism charges, authorities said.

The home owner found Michael Lee Smith, 31, of Old Edgemoor Road, inside the home when he returned home at about 6 a.m. Thursday, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department said. The resident said his van and motor home had been both burglarized and vandalized, a press release said.

The rear door of his home had also been damaged but it appeared secure, so the home owner did not initially believe anyone had entered his house, Sheriff Paul White said in the press release.

But the man contacted the Sheriff’s Department, and a deputy responded to investigate. White said many items had been removed from the vehicles and were stacked on a cart nearby, and both vehicles had significant vandalism.

The homeowner then went inside the house and heard a voice coming from the bedroom, White said. He looked into the room and found someone lying in his bed, the sheriff said.

Deputies arrested Smith, who lives in a nearby apartment complex. He appeared to be under the influence of drugs when arrested, White said.

Smith has been charged with aggravated burglary and two counts of vandalism. There is also a hold on him for Scott County.

Smith is being held in the Anderson County Detention Facility with his bond pending arraignment, White said Thursday evening.