Charges to be Determined for Mine Trespassers

Investigators need more time to determine what kind of charges four people will likely face after rescuers located them in an abandoned mine on the Raleigh-Boone County line last week. Eddie Williams of Artie came out of the mine on his own, while his cousin, Kayla Williams, along with Erica Treadway and Cody Beverly were rescued Dec. 12. WCHS TV reported the four may be charged with trespassing, but circumstances are making it difficult to determine what other crimes, if any, they could face. Cases like this may also increase penalties for trespassing on mine property because of the risks it creates for trespassers, law enforcement officers and mine rescue teams.