SW Oregon roadside trash collector arrested for squatting

COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) – A man whose mission was to pick up garbage left on Coos County roads has been arrested on an accusation he was illegally squatting at a vacant home.

The World newspaper of Coos Bay reports (https://is.gd/Vokkq6 ) that 36-year-old Raymond Furr, also known as Raymond Block, was discovered by property owners Jan. 13. The sheriff’s office says Furr refused to leave when asked, contending he and Christy Furr were claiming squatters’ rights.

The Furrs allegedly removed a “No Trespassing” sign and used a falsified rental agreement in order to turn on power and phone access. Both are charged with burglary and criminal trespass.

Furr made news last year after founding an ad hoc clean-up group called Leaven No Trace. After initially drawing support, he later drew complaints from Coos County officials when he wouldn’t stop putting trash he collected in the public right-of-way.