Alleged 'Mountain Man' burglar to represent himself in court


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MANTI — The accused mountain-man burglar fired his public defender Thursday, telling the judge he wants to represent himself in court.

Troy Knapp, who is accused of breaking into cabins throughout Sanpete County and pillaging their contents, fired his public defender Thursday, telling the judge he is qualified to represent himself on a long list of charges he faces.

"I don't want him, there is no reason for him," Knapp said to the judge of the public defender. "And before we mention about taxpayer money, let's save the taxpayer money and just get rid of him. There is no benefit to me, I am just as well off representing myself and floundering through the system."

Knapp was clearly agitated as he addressed the judge.

"I am sorry, your honor, if I am out of line, but I think I made myself quite clear," Knapp said.

Earlier in the trial, Knapp fired the private attorney his family had hired to represent him in his Sixth District Court case.

"And speaking of that, I don't think that is relevant in this case I had definite issues with Mr. Bugden that couldn't be worked out, and that is why he was fired.

The judge cautioned Knapp about representing himself, but told him he has that right. Knapp claims he has studied law while incarcerated in the past.

The county attorney insists this won't stop his prosecution.

"It doesn't matter if he has Mr. Hunt as his lawyer, or a private lawyer, or someone else he chooses to represent him — the plan hasn't changed and we will continue to pursue it," said Sanpete County Attorney Brody Keisel.

Knapp will get his chance to be his own attorney, during a day-long preliminary hearing that is set for Aug. 26. In that hearing, prosecutors will lay out evidence against Knapp for three cabin break-ins last year in Sanpete County.

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Sam Penrod

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