KTRV Fox 12 Man Facing Jail For Hoarding

Man Facing Jail For Hoarding

Boise, Idaho -- Clean up or go to jail. That's what an elderly Boise man is facing for hoarding on his property.

We first brought you this story in May and, since that time, Loren Gary has already been to jail once. He's 73 years old and facing another 10 days in jail if he doesn't clean up his act -- 68 years worth of stuff.

"Yeah I got a few lawnmowers,' said Gary.

And that's not all. How about 1963 motor home, a '57 jeep station wagon, an examining table, and a few VW bugs. Gary has just over a week to get things up to par or he's going back to jail. The city Of Boise has been working with this particular property owner for 10 years.

"We just couldn't see telling an old guy to go to jail if we could step in and help him and get things cleaned up so he could enjoy his retirement. That's why we did it, "said volunteer Garland Risner.

So a group of local men are volunteering their time to help get Gary's property organized.

"It was just the neighborly thing to do. Even though this gentleman isn't my neighbor, he's a 40-year Air Guard Veteran he's 73-year-old with a pacemaker. He just can't keep up with all the stuff on his own, " said volunteer Joseph Dalrymple.

To satisfy the city Of Boise, most of the stuff needs to be under cover. So the men are cleaning and organizing, but still taking care not to throw away Gary's valuables.

"Anyone who's wiling to spend 10 days in jail for their junk they must think a lot of it," said Dalrymple.

They're even calling in the help of the National Guard. They'll be donating the man power of about 25 soldiers.

"They've given of their time and money and everything like that, energy to come and help and old character like me," said Gary.

There's still quite a bit of work to be done so the group is still in need of volunteers for Sunday and next weekend. Also they need fencing to block of some of Gary's property. If you can help, contact Risner at 866-9411 or Dalrymple at 283-9165.