Conditions of release set for extradited burglary suspect

Two years after a bench warrant for his arrest, Gene Tarez Foddrell, 30, of Georgia, faced a felony burglary charge in San Juan County Superior Court.

According to the victim, Foddrell broke into her room around 3 a.m. on Oct. 27, 2022, allegedly stating he found her attractive. The two lived in the same employee housing unit. The victim said she asked him to leave repeatedly, and Foddrell said he would if she hugged him. She did and alleges the defendant held her tightly and then slapped and grabbed her butt when she pushed him away. The victim began yelling and a neighbor came in. He was also unsuccessful in removing Foddrell from the room. Then, a third neighbor arrived, and they were able to escort Foddrell from the premises.

The next day, the victim told her employer, who encouraged her to contact the police. The investigating deputy called Foddrell and explained the allegations to him. He said he did not touch the victim nor enter her room. Foddrell said he had resigned, left Orcas Island and declined to provide information about where he was now residing.

In November 2022, Foddrell was charged with residential burglary in the second degree, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Nearly two years later, on Oct. 6, 2024, the suspect was apprehended by the Gilbert Police Department in Arizona and placed in the Maricopa County Jail pending extradition to Washington. On Jan. 12, a sergeant and detective from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Arizona, where they took custody of the suspect on Jan. 14. He was transported back to San Juan County to face charges.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the investigating deputy, the Gilbert Police Department, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and our own sergeant and detective for their exceptional teamwork and perseverance in bringing this individual back to San Juan County to stand trial for his crime,” Peter said in a press release announcing the extradition.

The San Juan County Prosecutor’s Office requested $50,000 bail during his order setting hearing on Jan. 15. Judge Kathryn Loring ordered $10,000 bail and the suspect was released. A no-contact order was issued for the victim, and Foddrell signed a waiver of extradition, meaning extradition would not be required if he was found outside Washington. His omnibus hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if he is already out of the state,” Peter said. “I guess we will have to wait for him to be on warrant status again and spend more time, money and resources to get him back here just to have him let out again.”

Foddrell’s criminal history includes driving with a suspended license in Georgia.