By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County
Three people accused of breaking into a mountain cabin near Cedar City and fleeing with stolen property have been sentenced to jail, probation and more than $9,500 in restitution.
Evan Robert Newmiller, 35; Andrew Phillip Rauskin, 33; and Rachel Rochell Cotton, 44, each received suspended prison sentences and were ordered to serve 270 days in the Iron County Jail after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the March burglary.
The investigation began March 21 when Iron County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of two people wearing ski masks and riding four-wheelers on private mountain properties marked with “no trespassing” signs.
The property owner told deputies someone had used a grinder to cut a chain securing the main gate.
A deputy arriving at the property encountered Rauskin riding a four-wheeler while wearing a ski mask. Rauskin reportedly told the deputy he and Newmiller had gone to a family cabin but cut the gate’s chain after Newmiller’s keys did not work.
The deputy searched storage compartments on the four-wheeler with Rauskin’s permission and found bolt cutters, crowbars and an inflatable wedge commonly included in vehicle lockout kits.
While the deputy spoke with Rauskin, a gray Toyota driven by Newmiller came around a corner. Newmiller allegedly stopped after seeing the deputy and backed up the road.
Newmiller later spoke to the deputy by phone and said he was afraid and did not like police. He agreed to return within five minutes but did not come back.
Deputies searching the area discovered four-wheeler tracks leading through several private properties. A large television, yellow generator and bearskin were found beside a road near another gate that had previously been secured.
The owner of a nearby cabin reported receiving motion alerts showing someone entering the residence through a back door and moving through several rooms shortly before the cabin’s power went out.
Investigators later interviewed Newmiller and Cotton. Both admitted participating in the burglary and placing stolen property in the basement of Newmiller’s cabin.
They also reportedly admitted fleeing after seeing law enforcement because stolen property and illegal drugs were inside their vehicle. Newmiller removed the cabin’s security alarm from the wall and took out its batteries because he believed it would notify police.
Deputies also found a loaded Smith & Wesson .380-caliber handgun beneath the vehicle’s front seat. Investigators said all three knew the gun was present and had brought it with them to shoot.
Newmiller pleaded guilty April 21 to two second-degree felonies for burglary of a dwelling and theft of property valued at $5,000 or more. He also pleaded guilty to a class A misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance.
Fifth District Judge Meb Anderson sentenced Newmiller on June 2 to two suspended prison terms of one to 15 years. Anderson ordered him to serve 270 days in jail, with credit for 73 days already served, followed by 36 months of supervised probation.
Rauskin pleaded guilty June 2 to second-degree felony burglary, second-degree felony theft and third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance.
He was sentenced July 28 to suspended prison terms and 48 months of supervised probation. Anderson ordered Rauskin to serve 270 days in jail without eligibility for good-time release.
Cotton pleaded guilty June 9 to second-degree felony burglary of a dwelling, third-degree felony prohibited firearm possession and class A misdemeanor drug possession.
She was sentenced July 21 to 270 days in jail, with credit for 122 days served, and 48 months of supervised probation. The court permitted her to be released to treatment after serving 240 days or to receive credit for good behavior.
The three defendants were ordered to pay $9,557.09 in restitution, plus interest, jointly and severally. That designation allows the victim to collect the total amount from any combination of the defendants but does not triple the restitution owed.
Their probation conditions include completing treatment and cognitive-behavioral programs, staying away from the victim and the victim’s property and complying with continuous protective orders.
Newmiller was also prohibited from entering mountain property unless accompanied by his parents for the duration of his probation. Cotton was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, while Rauskin must complete a theft-reform course.
Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson said the impact of burglarizing a mountain cabin extends beyond the value of the property stolen or damaged.
“Mountain cabins are more than just buildings, they represent generations of family memories, traditions, and hard work,” he said. “When someone burglarizes and vandalizes one of these cabins, they are taking far more than property. They are violating a place that holds tremendous personal and sentimental value.”
Dotson also thanked the Iron County Sheriff’s Office for investigating the case and recovering stolen property, as well as the victims for their cooperation throughout the prosecution.
“Our office pursued additional jail time beyond the sentencing guideline recommendation because we believed the circumstances warranted a stronger consequence,” Dotson said. “We hope this sentence sends a clear message that those who target mountain cabins and other rural properties in Iron County will be identified, prosecuted, and held accountable.”