An Oregon man has been sentenced to prison after secretly living beneath a family’s townhouse for nearly three months without their knowledge. Authorities say he created a fully equipped living area in the crawlspace while the unsuspecting family continued their daily lives above him.
Oregon Man Sentenced for Secretly Living Under Family’s Home
A court in Oregon has sentenced 41-year-old Beniamin Bucur to three years in prison after he was found guilty of first-degree burglary.
The unusual case attracted widespread attention after authorities discovered that Bucur had been secretly living in the crawlspace beneath a family’s townhouse in Happy Valley, Oregon, for nearly two and a half months.
According to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, a jury found Bucur guilty after only about 20 minutes of deliberation.
Discovery Made After Neighbour Reported Suspicious Activity
The case came to light on September 3, 2025, when a neighbour noticed someone entering the crawlspace beneath a townhouse and contacted police.
When officers arrived at the property, they forced open the crawlspace entrance and made a surprising discovery.
Investigators found an elaborate living setup hidden beneath the home, complete with:
- Lighting
- A small kitchen area
- Gaming equipment
- Multiple televisions
- Gaming consoles
- Cooking burners
- Decorative string lights
Authorities said the space had been carefully organised and appeared to have been used as a residence for an extended period.
Family Had No Idea Someone Was Living Below Them
According to prosecutors, the family living in the townhouse—a married couple and their young daughter—had no knowledge that someone was secretly staying beneath their home.
Officials stated that Bucur allegedly entered the crawlspace under the cover of darkness and regularly came and went without being noticed.
Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Escover described the situation as a shocking invasion of privacy.
She said Bucur moved his belongings into the space and connected multiple electrical devices to the home’s power supply while the family unknowingly paid the increased electricity bills.
Illegal Electrical Connections Found
During the investigation, authorities discovered a network of extension cords and electrical connections linked directly to the family’s electrical service.
Prosecutors said the setup allowed Bucur to power his televisions, lights, gaming equipment, and cooking devices without paying for electricity himself.
The discovery added to concerns about safety risks and potential fire hazards within the home.
Weapons and Drug Paraphernalia Recovered
While searching the crawlspace, investigators reportedly found several items that raised additional concerns.
According to officials, authorities recovered:
| Item Found | Description |
|---|---|
| Sword | Located inside the hidden living space |
| Multiple Knives | Discovered during the search |
| Pipe with Methamphetamine Residue | Allegedly contained drug residue |
The presence of these items further alarmed investigators and the family affected by the incident.
Prosecutor Calls Him the “Roommate They Never Knew”
During statements following the conviction, Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Escover highlighted the unusual nature of the case.
She remarked that for nearly two and a half months, Bucur was essentially “the roommate the family never knew they had.”
The statement reflected the disturbing reality that a stranger had been living directly beneath a family without their knowledge for an extended period.
Additional Charges Still Pending
Although Bucur has now been sentenced to three years in prison in Clackamas County, his legal troubles may not be over.
According to prosecutors, he is also facing additional burglary charges in neighbouring Washington County.
Details regarding those cases have not yet been released.
