Jury Finds Shawn Michael Decosta Guilty on Multiple Charges Stemming from South Lake Tahoe Incident
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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – A jury has found 57 year old Shawn Michael Decosta guilty on multiple charges, including Trespass by Entering and Occupying, Vandalism of a Dwelling, and Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing Police Officers. The verdict was reached on July 24, 2024, in the case identified as People v. Shawn Michael Decosta, Case No. 24CR1429.
The charges stem from an incident on June 22, 2024, in South Lake Tahoe. A neighbor observed that a board had been removed from the front door of a cabin, which was unusual given that the owners were not present at the time. South Lake Tahoe Police Department officers responded to the scene and discovered that someone had barricaded themselves inside the cabin. Upon announcing their presence, the officers forced entry into the home with the homeowner’s consent. They found Decosta inside the residence, where he had allegedly been residing without authorization.
During the encounter, Decosta reportedly did not comply with the officers’ instructions to stop and get on his knees. Further investigation revealed that Decosta had installed a makeshift locking mechanism on the front door, resulting in damage to the door and its surrounding area.
In his defense, Decosta testified that he had permission to be in the residence, despite not having met the homeowner and having been previously arrested multiple times at the same location. The homeowner and police officers had prior knowledge of Decosta’s history of unauthorized entry into the cabin. At the time of the offense, Decosta was on parole for a prior burglary of the same residence.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Pippa Temple and investigated by South Lake Tahoe Police Department Officers Wiens and Simon. The trial was conducted in Department 3 before the Honorable Michael J. McLaughlin. Sentencing for Decosta is scheduled for August 9 at 10 a.m. in Department 3.
