Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office apprehended two men wanted on numerous local warrants at a North Valley area residence early yesterday.

The Sheriff's Office reports deputies arrested the pair at a home in the 7500-block of Monument Drive at 8:40 a.m. and 9:10 a.m., respectively. Both men had been reported missing which helped them escape detection by law enforcement.

Deputies said they received a tip that 36-year-old Lee Raymond Baldyga and 32-year-old Eli Fredrick White were at the home along with a woman and a child. The Oregon Department of Human Services tagged along to check on the welfare of the child.

Baldyga was wanted on a Grants Pass felony warrant for failing to appear in court for multiple counts of Theft and Methamphetamine Possession. He was transported to Grants Pass and lodged at the Josephine County Jail.

White was wanted on 11 warrants issued by the Grants Pass Police Department, Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Charges in the warrants included Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Burglary, Forgery, Theft, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass. He was also lodged in jail.

Deputies assisted DHS workers by detaining a woman at the residence. Due to the poor conditions at the home, the child was placed into protective custody.