2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007

2007

DATE : 12/28/07 SUBJECT: Driver of vehicle that hit deputy arrested RELEASED BY: Sgt. Steve Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On 12/27/07 at approximately 2309 hrs. Deputy’s from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Cohasset Rd. near the Esplanade in Chico. During the traffic stop, a single male occupant attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle. The vehicle nearly struck one of the Deputies who was attempting to interview the occupant. The second Deputy on the scene fired one round, which did not strike the suspect. The suspect fled the scene east bound on Cohasset Rd towards Mangrove Ave. The Deputies pursued the vehicle and located it crashed and abandoned near the Holiday Inn on Manzanita Court. Numerous officers from the Butte County Sheriff’s Department, Chico Police Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to the area and attempted to locate the suspect. A perimeter was established and a K9 search was conducted with negative results. One of the Deputies sustained a minor injury during the incident. A possible suspect has been identified and the Butte County Sheriff’s Felony Investigations Unit is conducting the investigation. Update to the press release: At approximately 0711 on 12/28/2007, deputies Joe Deal and John Carney located the suspect in this investigation at 1908 Mars Way in Chico and arrested him without incident. The suspect was identified as Soma Rainbow King, born 03/16/1973. King was wanted by Parole for violation of his parole requirements in addition to fresh charges of assault on a Peace Officer, Flight from pursuing Peace Officers, leaving the scene of an accident and providing false information to a peace officer. King was booked into the Butte County Jail and is being held without bail.

DATE : 12-19-07 SUBJECT: (BCSO E07-AG1188) SEARCH FOR MISSING PARADISE FAMILY RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman 530-538-7814 ***UPDATE TO 12-18-07 BUTTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RELEASE*** On Wednesday December 19, 2007 at approximately 12:47 pm, the Dominguez family was located alive and well, suffering what appears to be only relatively minor frost-bite injuries. A CHP helicopter was able to respond and search the area during a brief break in the weather. The helicopter was making one final pass over the scene on their way back to the valley as the clouds closed in, when the Officers aboard noticed movement below. They circled around and saw the word “help” spelled out in the snow and the four family members by frantically. The pilot was able to land the helicopter nearby and transported the family members two at a time to the grounds of the Brakebill Elementary School in nearby Stirling City. They had survived by seeking shelter from the weather in a large culvert. The lat/long coordinates of the location of the pickup was on the Skyway at 39° 59.987’ X 121° 32.101’. The lat/long coordinates of the location they were found was 40° 1.86’ X 121° 32.7’. In a straight line, they were approximately 2.4 miles from their truck. The search was initially conducted Monday night based on the areas the family would most likely be located and given the witness information that they had been seen walking down the east side of the road and to the left from their truck. As more Search and Rescue personnel arrived on scene, likely areas were identified and categorically searched based on the probability of them being in a specific area due to where the truck was located, where they were last seen, the terrain of any specific location and any other relevant factors identified. As each of these areas were searched and eliminated as possible locations of the missing family, the search area was expanded. Although located by the CHP helicopter, the area they were located was in the further target search areas that had been identified by the Search and Rescue Commanders. This search would not have been possible without the assistance of approximately 100 trained Search and Rescue personnel. Of these Search and Rescue team members, roughly 90% of them are strictly dedicated volunteer personnel and receive no compensation for their assistance. The American Red Cross and local Kentucky Fried Chicken and Quizno’s restaurants also helped feed the numerous volunteers. The Butte County Sheriff’s Department and Search and Rescue are extremely grateful for all of their assistance. Specifically, the following Search and Rescue organizations were involved: Butte County SAR, the Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU), Contra Costa County SAR, Glenn County SAR, Marin county SAR, including the Marin County Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) specialists, Nevada County SAR, Placer County SAR, San Mateo County SAR, Shasta County SAR and MRA, Sierra County SAR, Sutter County SAR, Tahoe Nordic SAR, Tehama County SAR, Yuba County SAR, as well as teams from the California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA). The Butte County Sheriff’s Department and Search and Rescue are also thankful for the numerous offers of assistance from the general public. Of course due to the weather and the terrain, as long as the trained volunteers were available to assist, we preferred to rely on their help to minimize the potential for untrained citizen volunteers to also become lost or injured. However, anyone interested in becoming a regular member of a Search and Rescue team should check the Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue website at www.buttesar.org for more information. If an interested volunteer is a resident of another County in California, they should contact their local Search and Rescue organizations, or their County’s Sheriff’s Department. ***UPDATE TO 12-17-07 PARADISE POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE*** The Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit is coordinating a multi-agency alpine search for the Dominguez family, centered around the location of the family’s abandoned pickup on Skyway approximately 2.5 miles north of Inskip. The owners of the Inskip Inn have allowed Search and Rescue to use their facilities as a command center. Relatives of the missing family have been assisting in the effort by remaining available at the command center to answer any questions the search teams may have. From the Inskip Inn, approximately 55 trained Search and Rescue Volunteers from Butte County, Contra Costa County, Glenn County, Marin County and Shasta County have been searching areas leading away from the vehicle. Approximately 50 additional trained Search and Rescue volunteers will be arriving in Butte County Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to continue to assist in the effort to locate the Dominguez family. The Butte County Sheriff’s Department and the trained Search and Rescue personnel appreciate all offers of assistance from the public that have been received. However, due to the treacherous conditions created by the terrain and weather, it is essential that only the well trained personnel actively participate in the search effort. If anyone has any information regarding the location of the missing family, please contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue through the BCSO Dispatch center at 530-538-7322 (public number). If anyone is interested in learning more about becoming a trained Search and Rescue volunteer to help with future searches, please refer to the Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue website at www.buttesar.org or by emailing bcsar@buttesar.org.

DATE : 12-18-07 SUBJECT: (BCSO E07-AG1188) SEARCH FOR MISSING PARADISE FAMILY RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman 530-538-7814 ***UPDATE TO 12-17-07 PARADISE POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE*** The Butte County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit is coordinating a multi-agency alpine search for the Dominguez family, centered around the location of the family's abandoned pickup on Skyway approximately 2.5 miles north of Inskip. The owners of the Inskip Inn have allowed Search and Rescue to use their facilities as a command center. Relatives of the missing family have been assisting in the effort by remaining available at the command center to answer any questions the search teams may have. From the Inskip Inn, approximately 55 trained Search and Rescue Volunteers from Butte County, Contra Costa County, Glenn County, Marin County and Shasta County have been searching areas leading away from the vehicle. Approximately 50 additional trained Search and Rescue volunteers will be arriving in Butte County Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to continue to assist in the effort to locate the Dominguez family. The Butte County Sheriff's Department and the trained Search and Rescue personnel appreciate all offers of assistance from the public that have been received. However, due to the treacherous conditions created by the terrain and weather, it is essential that only the well trained personnel actively participate in the search effort. If anyone has any information regarding the location of the missing family, please contact the Butte County Sheriff's Search and Rescue through the BCSO Dispatch center at 530-538-7322 (public number). If anyone is interested in learning more about becoming a trained Search and Rescue volunteer to help with future searches, please refer to the Butte County Sheriff's Search and Rescue website at www.buttesar.org or by emailing bcsar@buttesar.org.

DATE : 12/12/07 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 On 12/11/07 at about 10:30 A.M., deputies from the Butte County Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Unit served two search warrants in Chico. One search warrant was served at 2035 Cecelia Lane and the other at 1713 Citrus Ave. Deputies located Ricky Fu Wu, age 29, at 2035 Cecelia Lane along with 870 growing marijuana plants inside the residence. Every bedroom and the entire garage were converted into indoor grow rooms with multiple high energy lights, fans and filters. Deputies discovered that someone had connected up to the incoming power line and bypassed the PG&E electrical meter. Ricky Fu Wu was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell, and theft of utilities. His bail was set at $120,000.00. Deputies located 648 growing marijuana plants in the basement area of the residence of 1713 Citrus Ave. It appeared that subjects were living in the residence at the time of the search warrant but nobody was located there. This marijuana grow was similar in design and operation as that of 2035 Cecelia Lane to include the theft of electricity. A juvenile related to this case was detained at a local school and turned over to Children's Services Division. This investigation is still ongoing.

DATE : 12-09-07 SUBJECT: C07-15759 RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman or North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On September 13, 2007, Butte County Sheriff’s Deputy M. Rackley responded to a report of a Polaris Outlaw quad belonging to Phillip King had been stolen from his parent’s home in Magalia, while King was deployed to Iraq for Military duty. On December 09, 2007, at approximately 1200 pm, a juvenile went to the Butte County Sheriff’s Magalia Substation and reported the location of the stolen quad. Deputies S. Paley and A. Staup investigated the report and found that the juvenile’s mother, Katri Wilson of Magalia, may have dropped him and a juvenile female off near King’s address, so that the two juveniles could make entry into the garage and steal the quad. Katri was confirmed to have had knowledge that the quad was stolen and still allowing the quad to be stored at her residence in Magalia, without reporting it was stolen. While the quad was being stored at the juvenile’s residence, his step father, Scott Wilson of Magalia, confronted the two juveniles about the quad. The juveniles told Scott that they had stolen the quad from the King residence, and Scott allowed the quad to continue to be stored at the residence after having knowledge that the quad was stolen during the burglary of King’s residence. Scott did not make them return the quad, nor did he notify law enforcement. The quad was recovered from a residence on Doon Grade in upper Magalia. The two juveniles were detained and booked into the Butte County Juvenile Hall for conspiracy, burglary, and the theft of the quad. Katri Wilson was arrested and transported to the Butte County Jail for conspiracy and for being an accessory. Her bail was set at $10,000. Scott Wilson was arrested and transported to the Butte County Jail for being an accessory. His bail was set at $5,000.

DATE : 11-05-07 SUBJECT : C07-16955 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Matt Keeling CONTACT # : Deputy Joe Deal 538-7322 On 11-04-07 the Butte County Sheriff’s Office responded to four separate burglaries in Durham, Mid Valley Baptist Church, Durham High School, Durham Elementary School and the Durham Parks and Recreation Office. At each of the burglaries there was extensive damage done (in excess of $4,000.00), as well as numerous items stolen. The investigation led the Sheriff’s Office to a residence in Durham within walking distance of the burglaries. Most of the items taken were located hidden in a boat on the property. On 11-05-07 the investigation continued with the arrest of two juveniles in connection with the burglaries and more arrests are anticipated in the near future.

DATE 11-1-07: RELEASED BY: Sgt Mike Lydon CONTACT # 891-2711 0n 11-1-07 at approximately 2247 hrs Deputy Keith Hard was on patrol on Normal St at 22nd St... Hard's attention was drawn to a vehicle which was parked on the east side of the roadway. The vehicle had two subjects standing by it. Hard then contacted the two subjects who were acting suspicious. The two were later identified as, Angela Bates a WFA age 37 transient from the Chico area and Michael Duane Bundy a WMA age 42 transient from the Chico area. Through Deputy Hard's investigation he found that the two were in possession of Methamphetamine Marijuana hypodermic needles and stolen property. The two were arrested and transported to the Butte County Jail and booked on the above charges bail was set at $28,000.

DATE : October 5, 2007 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Jason Hail CONTACT # : (530) 538-7321 On October 4, 2007 at approximately 2000 hours, deputies from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 3106 Johnny Lane, Chico. The search warrant was a result of a child endangerment investigation being conducted by Deputy Tracy Panuke. Dep. Panuke was able to gather enough information to author a search warrant for the residence. Deputies searched the residence and located four adults and an infant child. The residence was unkempt, with drug paraphernalia being located in the residence. The infant child’s mother Jessie Lucille Jenkins (DOB: 4-15-72) was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance, as well as three other subjects inside: Toby Behr (DOB: 3-16-68), Norma Jean Fox (DOB: 3-31-87) and Travis Lopes (DOB: 9-4-85), all from the Chico area. Deputies located approximately ½ ounce of suspected methamphetamine in the residence. BINTF Agents responded out to take over the investigation. While on-scene the homeowner, Kenneth Glidewell (DOB: 4-11-56) drove by the residence. Glidewell was contacted by deputies and subsequently arrested. The child was detained by Children’s Services and taken for a wellness check prior to being placed in foster care. Jessie Jenkins was booked into the Butte County Jail for felony child endangerment and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Her bail was set at $53,000. Toby Behr was booked into Butte County Jail for a parole violation. Norma Fox was booked into Butte County Jail for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Her bail was set at $3,000. Travis Lopes was booked into Butte County Jail for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and a violation of probation. His bail was set at $5370. Kenneth Glidewell was booked into the Butte County Jail for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $13,000.

DATE : 10/01/07 RELEASED BY: Sheriff Perry Reniff CONTACT # : Butte County Special Victims Unit (530) 538-7671 When online predators creep onto MySpace.com to lure teenagers, they might soon be met by a badge of the Butte County Sheriff’s Department. The Butte County Sheriff’s Department has created a MySpace page in hopes of linking to the pages of youths who use the social networking site. The Butte County Sheriff’s Department wants children and families to add them to their circle of "top friends" in order to deter predators and other unwanted individuals from contacting them. The idea is that when predators call up a child's page, one of the first things they will see is a link to the Sheriff’s Department and badge. It is our hope that this will make the person think twice about contacting that child. The Butte County “MySpace Page” will include information on using the Internet safely and will provide a link to the Butte County Sherriff’s Department Web site. This site can be reached at http://www.myspace.com/buttecountysheriff Statistics show more than 77 million children use the Internet. California ranks first in the nation in terms of the volume of child pornography, according to the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Nationally, one in seven children between the ages of 10 and 17 has been solicited online by a sexual predator, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

DATE : 09/26/07 RELEASED BY: SGT. Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 The Butte County Sheriff's Office is investigating a report from a fourteen (14) year old female student at Palermo School. The student reported that she was approached by an unknown adult male subject in the "breezeway" of the campus while walking back to her classroom on 09/25/06 at approximately 10:30 AM. The juvenile stated that the male subject approached her on foot and attempted to verbally persuade her to leave the campus with him. The juvenile said that the male subject called her by name and told her that he was sent there by her mother to "pick her up." The juvenile reported that since she did not recognize the male subject and the fact that she had just been dropped off at school by her mother, she turned and walked quickly back to class where she later reported the incident to her mother. The Butte County Sheriff's Department is working closely with the Palermo School District regarding the incident. The following is a description of the male subject that was provided by the juvenile: White male adult Medium build Mid thirties Approximately 5'8"- 6' Short brown hair Blue eyes Unshaven The male has a tattoo on his upper left arm that depicts a "Christian" type cross inside of a circle, with a line through the circle and cross. He had on a silver necklace with a star and a circle around it, possibly a "Start of David" or "Pentagram." The male subject was wearing a black AC/DC tee shirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information regarding this individual please contact Detective Tom Dryden at the Butte County Sheriff's Special Victims Unit at (530) 538-7424 or 538-7671.

DATE : September 18, 2007 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On August 30, 2007 the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a subject who had fallen off the roof of a residence located at 80 Hobble Bush Lane in Bangor. Upon arrival deputies found a subject identified as Bobby Lee Bartell to be suffering from major head wounds. Deputies called for medical assistance and a short time later Enloe Hospital dispatched a helicopter to transport Bartell to the Enloe Trauma Center for treatment. On September 1, 2007 the Sheriff’s Office was advised by Enloe Hospital personnel that Bartell had died from his injuries. The Felony Investigations Unit of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation of the incident involving Bartell and through subsequent interviews and examination of the physical evidence it was determined that Thomas Henry Urquhart (DOB: 08/20/59) had engaged in a confrontation with Bartell. The investigation revealed that the confrontation between Bartell and Urquhart on the roof of the building resulted in Bartell being pushed off the roof and dying from his injuries. Initially, Detectives were unable to contact Urquhart as he had left the area. Detectives subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Urquhart’s arrest on an open count of homicide. On September 17, 2007 Thomas Urquhart was located in the Meadow Vista area of Placer County with the assistance of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Butte County Detectives contacted and interviewed Urquhart in Placer County and ultimately arrested him on the warrant. Urquhart was booked into the Placer County Jail and is currently awaiting extradition to the Butte County Jail for arraignment on the homicide charge.

DATE : 8/29/07 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 In early July the Butte County Sheriff's Marijuana Suppression Unit located three marijuana gardens during routine aerial reconnaissance missions. During subsequent surveillance and investigation trails were located that led from Highway 70 up to the garden areas that were located on steep terrain and under thick canopies of brush and trees. Plumas County Sheriff's Office located multiple marijuana gardens in their county along Highway 70 during the same time period. On Monday, August 27th the Butte County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Suppression Unit, the Butte County Sheriff's SWAT team, Chico Police Department's SWAT team, Yuba City Police Department's SWAT team, Butte County Sheriff's Search and Rescue volunteers, Butte County Sheriff's Communication Reserves, U.S. Civil Air Patrol, Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (B.I.N.T.F.) North and South and Butte County Public Works participated in raiding and eradicating three large illegal marijuana gardens along Highway 70 between Pulga and the Plumas county line. In two gardens multiple suspects were seen and pursued but evaded arrest by crashing through the thick brush and going headlong over steep embankments. After the three gardens had been secured, teams of personnel were placed into the gardens to begin cutting down the plants and loading the marijuana plants into nets. The marijuana plants were then airlifted by Butte County Sheriff's helicopter to dump trucks waiting down at Highway 70. Eradication teams in the western most garden cut down 8,706 growing marijuana plants that ranged from about one to seven feet tall. Eight areas for sleeping were located throughout this garden with a couple of different areas for processing the harvested marijuana. The middle garden was located further east. In the middle garden 4,687 marijuana plants were eradicated. No suspects were seen during the raid of this garden. In the eastern most garden two suspects were seen fleeing the garden area into the thick brush where they disappeared. A processing area was located with indications that they had already harvested a large amount of marijuana and was in the process of harvesting more. Also located in one of the suspect's pack was a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. 11,889 marijuana plants were eradicated from this garden along with multiple pounds of processed marijuana. All three gardens had areas where the suspects cleared away the brush and trees to make room for their marijuana plantations. They irrigated the elaborate marijuana garden plots by running black tubing from nearby creeks. The suspects also used fertilizers and chemicals to nourish the marijuana plants while using the trees and brush that they had cleared to hide their camp sites, harvesting areas and trash. Trash was found pushed under rocks, trees and in the creeks. The marijuana plants ranged from one to seven feet tall in various stages of development. In total 25,282 marijuana plants were eradicated from these three gardens with a street value at full maturity of $101,128,000.00

DATE : 8/24/07 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 During this week the Butte County Sheriff's Marijuana Suppression Unit raided two separate illegal marijuana grows. On 8/20/07 MSU raided a marijuana garden in the Concow area and located 1210 marijuana plants. No suspects were located during the raid but evidence located indicated that the suspects were Hispanics and had been living in the garden area. The garden was being watered from a nearby creek. The estimated value of this garden at full maturity would be $4,840,000.00. On 8/23/07 MSU raided another marijuana garden in the Concow area above a residential area known as Camelot. Investigators located and eradicated 2389 marijuana plants in three plots that were also being watered by nearby creeks. No suspects were located but evidence indicated that they were living in the garden area and were in the process of harvesting the marijuana plants. The estimated value of the plants at full maturity would be $9,556,000.00. Both of these gardens were located during routine aerial surveillance. Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity that they believe to be related to illegal marijuana cultivation is encouraged to contact the Marijuana Suppression Unit at 538-7389.

DATE : Wednesday, August 22, 2007 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 530 538-7671 Melisa Ann Meier, 19, of Chico, California was arrested at her residence on a federal arrest warrant that was issued on August 20th 2007 by a US Magistrate. Meier's was arrested on 9 counts of Conspiracy, bank fraud and mail theft. Meier's arrest was directly related to the 4 arrests that were made earlier this month of HEATHER MICHELLE WILSON, 34, of Chico, California, TIFFANY ANN SABRAL, 27, of Chico, California, and TANYA LESLIE WELMAN, 37. The Sheriff's Office has been inundated with mail thefts from mailboxes throughout the entire county. Over time the thieves became more sophisticated in their crimes and started using the victim's mail to obtain credit and drain bank accounts belonging to the mail theft victims. This case is the product of extensive combined investigation by the Butte County Sheriff's Department, Chico Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other law enforcement agencies in Northern California, specifically including state and local authorities in Glenn, Tehama, and Plumas Counties.

DATE : Wednesday, August 15, 2007 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 530 538-7671 HEATHER MICHELLE WILSON, 34, of Chico, California, TIFFANY ANN SABRAL, 27, of Chico, California, and TANYA LESLIE WELMAN, 37, of Durham, California were arraigned today on federal charges before U.S. Magistrate Dale A. Drozd at the U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento, California. The Sheriff's Office has been inundated with mail thefts from mailboxes throughout the entire county. Over time the thieves became more sophisticated in their crimes and started using the victim's mail to obtain credit and drain bank accounts belonging to the mail theft victims. This case is the product of extensive combined investigation by the Butte County Sheriff's Department, Chico Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other law enforcement agencies in Northern California, specifically including state and local authorities in Glenn, Tehama, and Plumas Counties. According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez, who is prosecuting the case, the felony Indictment alleges that WILSON, SABRAL, AND WELMAN, conspired with JODI LYNN GARCIA, 31, of Paradise, California, and others, to execute a scheme to manufacture checks with account numbers of others. The defendants and others who participated in the scheme stole identification and account number information from the U.S. Mail and elsewhere to create the fraudulent checks. The felony Indictment also charges the defendants and unnamed criminal associates with using identity information to cash the fraudulent checks. In this regard, GARCIA and others are alleged to have created a phony driver's license for fraudulent use and possessed and used stolen identity information in various victim names (including that of a deceased person) in order to cash fraudulent checks. GARCIA is currently being held at the Butte County Jail on unrelated fraud charges. Federal authorities expect to transport GARCIA to the U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento, California for arraignment on Thursday, August 16, 2007. GARCIA is charged in a single count of conspiracy, eight counts of possession of stolen U.S. Mail, fourteen counts of bank fraud, and two counts of aggravated I.D. theft.

DATE : 8/10/07 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 In July of this year during routine aerial reconnaissance investigators from the Butte County Sheriff's Marijuana Suppression Unit discovered an illegal marijuana grow in the French Creek area. On 8/9/07 at about 9:30 A.M., investigators from the Marijuana Suppression Unit located two Hispanic male adults inside the marijuana garden. When investigators announced themselves and attempted to take the two suspects into custody they fled. The two suspects were pursued and apprehended within the garden. The two suspects were identified as Luis Soto, age 53, of Michoacan, Mexico and Amador Soto, age 29, also of Michoacan, Mexico. During the investigation no firearms were located in the marijuana garden or on the two suspects. The marijuana garden was made up of 10 different plots each containing growing marijuana plants. The plants were both hand watered and watered by a drip system that was gravity fed from a nearby creek. A total of 4,120 marijuana plants with a street value of $16,480.000 were located and eradicated. The two suspects were booked into Butte County Jail on charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. The Butte County Sheriff's Department would like to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity relating to marijuana, that they believe to be illegal, to the Marijuana Suppression Unit at 538-7389.

DATE : 8/01/07 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 On 7/31/07 at about 3:30 P.M., investigators from the Marijuana Suppression Unit arrested two Asian male subjects that were growing marijuana in the Swedes Flat Road area of Bangor. The illegal marijuana grow was discovered through aerial reconnaissance missions over the past several weeks and concluded when the two subjects arrived to water and care for the marijuana plants. The two subjects were identified as Thong Tran (age 33) and Chanpheng Soundara (age 47) both from the Fresno area. Neither subject was armed at the time of the arrest nor did they attempt to resist. Investigators eradicated 1,144 marijuana plants that ranged from seedlings to plants about two feet tall. Both men were transported to Butte County Jail where they were booked for cultivation of marijuana and possession for sale. The bail was set at $100,000. The estimated street value of all the marijuana at maturity was about $4,576,000.

DATE : 07/20/2007 RELEASED BY : Sgt Steve Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On May 22nd, 2007 the body of an unidentified female was recovered from a canal southwest of Willows, CA. The body had numerous injuries and the death was ruled a homicide. The body was later identified as that of 28 year old Red Bluff resident, Myndee Rosado. On May 28th, 2007 Orland resident Gustavo Tafolla (09/08/78) was interviewed as a ‘person of interest’ regarding Myndee’s death. A search warrant was executed on his residence at 3419 County Road S in Orland and Tafolla was held in the Glenn County Jail on unrelated charges and an immigration hold. During a lengthy investigation and examination of physical evidence by Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Sgt. Sean Arlin, Greg Felton, Detective Eric Christopher from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Investigators from the Butte County district Attorney’s Office it was determined that Myndee was killed in a rural area of western Butte County and transported to the canal in Glenn County where her body was found. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation but continued to work closely with Glenn County detectives to complete the investigation. On July 13th, 2007 the joint investigation was presented to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey who subsequently authorized an open count of murder on Tafolla.

DATE : July 15, 2007 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Jason Hail, North County Watch Commander CASE #: C07-14350 CONTACT # : 530-7321 On July 15, 2007 at approximately 1400 hours the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received several reports of a male subject who had been shot at the campground located at Whiskey Flat, Magalia off of Jordan Hill Rd. Reporting Parties stated that a male subject was arguing with another male subject and shot him with a handgun. The suspect fled the scene in a red Toyota truck and was last seen heading west on Jordan Hill Rd towards Coutolenc Road, Magalia. Deputies Mike Turenne and Richard Chandler, who were assigned to the Magalia area, responded to the scene and quickly located the suspect vehicle prior to it reaching the intersection of Jordan Hill Road and Coutolenc Road, Magalia. The suspect, identified as Grant Parkison (age 30) was taken into custody without incident. Paradise Police Officers responded to the scene at Jordan Hill Road and Coutolenc Road and secured the vehicle while deputies responded to the campground. Upon arrival, deputies located a white male subject, later identified as James Chambers (age 23) on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. First aid was administered until medical aid units arrived. Chambers was pronounced deceased shortly after leaving the scene via ambulance. Investigators from the Butte County Felony Investigations Unit were called out to take over the investigation. The investigation is still continuing as to the motive behind the homicide. Grant Parkison was booked into the Butte County Jail, Oroville on a charge of murder. His bail was set at $1,000,000.

DATE: 7/9/07 SUBJECT: C07-14209 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Steve Boyd/Sgt. Jason Hail CONTACT: North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On 7/9/07 at approximately 02:39 AM the Butte County Sheriffs Dispatch Center received a phone call from a subject stating her 16 year old son had just been assaulted and was held at gun point at an address on Helltown Road off of Centerville Rd. near Chico. The caller reported that her son escaped from the residence and called her from his cell phone while he was running away from the suspects. The caller also stated her son was now wading through Butte Creek and was near the Centerville Bridge. Butte County Sheriff Deputies and the California Highway Patrol responded to the area and began searching for the Juvenile. The Juvenile was located a short time later in Butte Creek and had minor injuries. During the investigation the Deputies learned that there was another 16 year old Juvenile victim who was assaulted on Helltown Rd. and held at gunpoint, but his whereabouts were unknown. They also learned the incident took place at 13355 Helltown Rd. Butte County Sheriff Deputies along with the Highway Patrol and a Chico Police Department K9 Unit responded to 13355 Helltown Road and located two of the suspects inside the residence. The suspects (Carl William Coleman Jr. 37 years of age and a 15 year old Juvenile) were taken into custody without incident. Carl William Coleman Jr. was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail for several charges including assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. The 15 year old Juvenile suspect was transported to Butte County Juvenile Hall and booked on one count of felony assault. The California Highway Patrol’s helicopter responded to the area and did a thorough search, but they were unable to locate the missing Juvenile. Butte County Search and Rescue was called out to the scene and are currently searching for the missing juvenile. His name is not being released at this time. He is 6’1”, thin build, short blond hair, blue eyes and was last wearing a black sweat shirt and black jeans. It is unknown if this missing Juvenile sustained any injuries during the assault. At this time the juvenile has not been heard from or seen by anyone since the assault, including his parents. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding this case please contact the Butte County Sheriffs Office Felony Investigations Unit at (530) 538-7671 **************************************UPDATED PRESS RELEASE************************************************ On July 9, 2007 at approximately 1100 hours, a citizen contacted the Butte County Sheriff’s Office stating that he had seen a juvenile matching the description of the missing juvenile on Centerville Rd near the steel bridge. Butte County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the location and located the missing 16 year old juvenile. He was found in good health with no injuries.

DATE: June 15, 2007 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Jason Hail CONTACT #: 538-7322 On June 5, 2007, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary that occurred to the residence located at 14792 Wildlife Drive, Magalia. The homeowner reported that while being away during the month of May, someone had broken into the residence and removed several items including antique furniture valued at several thousand dollars. Deputy Michael Turenne, a Designated Area Deputy assigned to Magalia, was dispatched to investigate the incident. After a week of following up on leads, Deputy Turenne was able to identify the suspect, identified as Lequitta June Langston DOB: 3/20/58 and author a search warrant for Langston’s residence located at 14806 Del Oro Drive, Magalia. On June 14, 2007, deputies served the search warrant at 14806 Del Oro Drive and located many of the items that were taken during the burglary to 14792 Wildlife Drive. Deputies also located approximately 151 grams of marijuana and glass pipes commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. Lequitta Langston was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail, Oroville for burglary, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. Langston’s bail was set at $34,000.

DATE : May 24, 2007 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Jason Hail CONTACT # : (530) 538-7321 On May 22, 2007, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received a report of several vehicles that had been vandalized at Able’s Plumbing and Electric, located at 3415 Silverbell Rd, Chico. Deputy Sheriff Ryan Gsell responded to investigate. While on scene speaking with the victim, Dep. Gsell learned that two other nearby businesses, Weather’s Air Conditioning and Comcast Cable had been burglarized over the weekend and several items had been taken. Video surveillance from the weekend showed a white male subject attempting to break into several vehicles and later force entry into Weather’s Air Conditioning. After following up on leads, Dep. Gsell was able to identify the suspect in the video surveillance as Clinton David Bennett (DOB: 3-10-69). On May 23, 2007, Dep. Gsell authored a search warrant for Bennett’s residence located at 3156 Esplanade #310, Chico. Deputies arrived at the address and served the search warrant, locating most of the reported stolen property from the burglary at Weather’s Air Conditioning valued at approximately $2000.00. Bennett was placed under arrest and booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of burglary and felony vandalism. His bail was set at $20,000. Also arrested as a result of the search warrant was Robert Luther (DOB: 8-9-84). Luther was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and booked into Butte County Jail. Luther’s bail was set at $10,000.

DATE : 05/15/07 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On 05/15/07, at about 1500 hours, detectives from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the Yuba City Police Department conducted a Parole search on parolee Jorge Luiz Hernandez (01/23/86) at his residence located at 1237 Citrus Avenue, apartment number six, Chico California. This parole search was conducted after an extensive surveillance operation directed by information established after a month long investigation into numerous armed robberies of local convenience stores. The investigation was a joint effort of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Oroville Police Department, Yuba City Police Department, Gridley Police Department, Cal-Met, FBI and the California Youth Authority Parole Office. As a result of this investigation, Jorge Hernandez was arrested for four counts of armed robbery. Two additional charges of armed robbery are currently pending against Jorge Hernandez awaiting further investigations efforts but we are expecting to file them in the next couple of days. On 05/15/07, at about 2200 hours, David Paul Lopez (10/23/60) was located and arrested at his residence at 1159 Running Springs Circle, Chico. He was charged with two counts of armed robbery. Two additional charges of armed robbery are currently pending against David Lopez awaiting further investigations efforts but we are expecting to file them in the next couple of days. On 05/15/07, at about 2330 hours, the firearm used in two of these armed robberies was located in the possession of a juvenile in Oroville, California. The firearm was seized as evidence. BUTTE COUNTY 04/07 @ 0051: 7-11 – 2125 Monte Vista 04/20 @ 2145: South Side Mini Mart – 3110 Myers Street 04/23 @ 2328: South Side Mini Mart – 3110 Myers Street 04/23 @ 2343: Jiffy Mart – 1408 Oro Dam Boulevard Jorge Luiz Hernandez (01/23/86) residence located at 1237 Citrus Avenue, apartment number six, Chico California. Charged with 4 counts of 211 PC (Armed Robbery) held without bail on California Youth Authority Parole hold.

DATE: May 5, 2007 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Roger Kenyon CONTACT # : (530) 538-7321 / North County Watch Commander UPDATED PRESS RELEASE On 05/05/07, approximately 1300 hrs., the Butte County Sheriff's Office received information that Tou Thao was seen in a vehicle, on Virginia Street, in the Chapmantown area of Chico. Deputies Jay Waananen, Scott Sheley, Chris D'Amato, Phil Wysocki and Sgt. Roger Kenyon quickly converged on the area. Thao was located in his parked vehicle on Virginia Street and taken into custody without incident. He is being held in the Butte County Jail on charges of assault with intent to commit rape, burglary, unlawfully obstructing the use of a communication device and false imprisonment.

DATE : May 4, 2007 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Jason Hail/STEP Coordinator CONTACT # : 538-7321 On May 4, 2007, in addition to the normal patrol level staffing, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office fielded two teams consisting of 7 deputies and two sergeants to participate in the Sheriff’s Targeted Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.). The purpose of this program is to serve arrest and search warrants, conduct parole and probation searches and to saturate areas of the county where there has been an increase in criminal activity. Of the two teams formed for today, one team was assigned to the South County area (Oroville) and the other to the North County area (Chico/Magalia). As a result of the today’s activities, the teams conducted 9 probation/parole searches and 21 attempts to serve arrest warrants. The following people were arrested during the course of the day: Victor Hedrick (DOB: 12-15-75) from Oroville, was arrested for a no-bail parole violation and a fresh charge of possession of a smoking device (bail $2000.00); Chad A. Brown (DOB: 11-4-77) from Alameda County, was arrested in Chico for a no-bail parole violation warrant and a fresh charge of possession of a smoking device (bail $2,000); Joshua Michael Shute (DOB: 9-2-79) from Chico, was arrested for a felony warrant charging possession of concentrated cannabis (bail $10,000); Elba Clark (DOB: 4-18-61) from Oroville, was arrested for a misdemeanor possession of a smoking device (bail $2000); Jesse Lee Robertson (DOB: 6-29-77) from Oroville was cited and released for a misdemeanor possession of prescription medication; Eddie Garten III (DOB: 11-13-80) from Oroville was cited and released for misdemeanor driving on a suspended license and no insurance. No overtime costs were associated with this activity.

DATE: May 4, 2007 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Roger Kenyon CONTACT # : (530) 538-7321 / North County Watch Commander On May 4, 2007, approximately 0419 hrs., the Butte County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a hysterical female regarding a break in at her residence on Guill St. in Chico. Upon arrival deputies learned the female victim had heard someone attempting to break into her residence. The suspect then broke out the front window of the residence, entered through it, and attempted to sexually assault the female victim. The suspect fled when the victim started screaming. The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the assault. The Butte County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate the suspect in the case, Tou Thao. Thao is a Hmong male adult, 26 years of age, 5'6" tall, 135 pounds, with black hair. The suspect vehicle is possibly a green Ford Taurus with California plates of 4WWV375, or a Nissan Sentra spray painted white. Anyone with information on Thao's whereabouts is asked to call the Butte County Sheriff's Office at (530) 538-7321 or (530) 891-2711.

DATE : 5-4-07 RELEASED BY: Sgt Mike Lydon CONTACT # 538-7321 On 5-4-07, at about 0201 hours, the Butte County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a clerk at the 7-11 store located at 2135 Monte Vista Ave, Oroville, CA. The clerk reported she had just been robbed by two Male adults at gun point. The clerk said one of the robbers was armed with a handgun and undisclosed amount of cash was taken. The robbers fled out of the store on foot in an unknown type of vehicle, possibly north on Farley Street. The clerk described the robbers as wearing heavy jackets, sunglasses, and one was wearing a red bandana. The race of the suspects is unknown at this time. Anyone with information on the robbery is requested to contact the Butte County Sheriff's Office at 538-7321.

DATE: 4-29-07 RELEASED BY: Sgt Michael Hannah / Sgt Matt Keeling CONTACT #: 538-7322 On 4-29-07 at about 2:16 am the Butte County Sheriff’s department 911 dispatch center received between 7 and 10 calls about shots being fired in the area of Feather Ave and Middlehoff Ln. in Oroville. Deputies responded to the area and they were told that several vehicles were seen leaving the area. One car was stopped and the occupants were questioned about the incident. The occupants were later released. The deputies located a house and vehicle that had sustained a strike from a bullet round. No one was injured from the gunshots. The deputies also learned that a red car was also struck by bullet rounds. The vehicle left the area prior to deputies arriving on scene. The Sheriff’s department is currently looking for a red vehicle possibly a Chevy Camero with bullet hole damage to the rear end of the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle is possibly named “Johnny” unknown last name. The owner is a victim or witness at this time and the Sheriff’s department would like to talk with the owner to see what they saw. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call the Butte County Sheriff’s department at 538-7322.

DATE : 04/27/2007 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 530 538-7671 In the evening hours of 4/26/2007, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office hosted the latest deployment of the BCAGE (Butte County Anti Gang Enforcement) operation. This operation took place in the greater Oroville and Gridley areas and consisted of over 33 officers from most law enforcement agencies in the Butte County area. These officers regularly investigate and suppress gang activity occurring in the county as part of their normal assignments with their particular agencies. On BCAGE deployments, they work together hand in hand and focus on gang problems in one or more particular areas in the county. The areas of focus, days and times of the operations vary based on identified need from current gang activities that are plaguing the communities in those particular areas. The agencies that participated, in this particular BCAGE deployment, are as follows: Butte County District Attorney’s Office, Butte County Inter Agency Narcotics Task Force, Butte County Probation, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, California Department of Justice, California State Parole, California State University of Chico Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Chico Police Department, Gridley Police Department and Orland Police Department. With pledged support form the Butte County Sheriff, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office and all Chiefs’ of Police in Butte County BCAGE will continue deployments as needed. As a result of the April deployment the Sheriff’s Office arrest 13 individuals searched 23 residences and seized one firearm. The individual’s arrested on various charges during the course of this deployment are as follows: Meng Xiong Alan Bone Brinda Morin Anthony Coin Jeremy Nigro Randall Johnston Angel Zarate Perry Steele Jamie Baylis Lao Vang James Patten Cathy Boothe Dusting Briggs For more detailed information on individuals arrested contact Sgt Pelton at (530) 538-7451 or our dispatch center after 5:00 pm.

DATE: 04-25-07 RELEASED BY: SGT. MIKE LYDON CONTACT #: 538-7321 On 04-25-07, at about 5:36 pm, Deputy Doug Patterson conducted a traffic stop on a 1990 Honda Accord with false tabs. Deputy Patterson contacted the driver, identified as Miguel Lujan (24) of Chico and a female passenger. During the course of Deputy Patterson’s investigation, Deputy Patterson located marijuana and prescription drugs on Lujan’s person as well as a digital scale, plastic baggies commonly used to package illegal drugs, a methamphetamine pipe, and 5.8 grams of methamphetamine located within the Honda. Lujan was transported to the Butte County Jail where more methamphetamine and prescription drugs were located in Lujan’s sock. Lujan was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale, transportation of the methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possession of prescription drugs. Lujan is in custody with a $67,000.00 bail. The female was released at the scene.

DATE: 4-23-07 RELEASED BY: Sgt Michael Hannah / Sgt Paul Leveto CONTACT #: 530-538-7322 On 4-23-07 at about 11:25 hours the Butte County Sheriff’s department received a 911 call from the South Side Mini Mart located at Myers Street and Wyandotte Ave in Oroville. The clerk reported that he had just been robbed by two Hispanic Male adults at gun point. The clerk said that one of the robbers was armed with a handgun. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken and the robbers fled running eastbound on A Street from Myers St. The description of the robbers were that they were wearing dark colored clothing one being about 6’-0” tall and the other about 5’-5” no further details. Deputies did an area check but they were not able to locate the suspects. Approximately 15 minutes later Butte County 911 dispatch received a call that another armed robbery had just occurred at the Jiffy Food store located at 14th Street and Oro Dam West in Oroville. Deputies responded to this call and began an area check. The clerk told deputies that a white male adult came into the store with a ski mask on and he was armed with a handgun. The robber demanded the cash and fled with an unknown amount of cash northbound on 14th Street. The robber was possibly wearing a blue jacket and a witness saw the suspect get into a dark colored pick up and flee northbound on 14th Street. Deputies with the help of Oroville Police checked the area but they did not locate the suspects again. Anyone with information on either of the robberies is requested to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s department at 538-7322.

DATE :March 17th, 2007 RELEASED BY :Sgt. Matt Keeling CONTACT # : 538-7321 On March 17th, 2007, at about 5:15 am, the Orovile Office of the California Highway Patrol responded to a reported traffic collision at Via Canella Avenue, near Vista Del Cerro Avenue, in Oroville. Butte County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the area at the California Highway Patrol’s request and conducted a related burglary investigation. Through this investigation they determined that the vehicle occupants had committed numerous vehicle burglaries in the area. The California Highway patrol is conducting an investigation for driving related offenses. Diligent observation and the active participation of numerous local citizens in this investigation resulted in the arrest of Sou On Saetern (age 18) and Billy Lom Ouk (19), both of West Sacramento, for felony vehicle burglary and possession of stolen property. As of this time, numerous items have been returned to their owners. There are additional suspected stolen items that have been logged into evidence at the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone having been victims of theft during the evening hours on March 16th, 2007 in the Las Plumas and Monte Vista areas of Oroville are urged to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact Deputy T. Morris with information at 538-7321.

DATE : 3-7-07 RELEASED BY : Sgt Michael Hannah / Sgt Marty Rolph CONTACT # : 530-538-7321 ON 3-7-07 at about 8:30 PM the Butte County Sheriff Department received a 911 call about a drive by shooting in the Southside Oroville area. Patrol units responded to the area of Fallbrook Ave and C Street and contacted the victims. The mobile home had several impact points on the west side of the mobile home wall by the front window. Witnesses said that 2 or 3 shots were fired by a shotgun towards the mobile home which people were inside at the time of the shooting. One 17 year old male juvenile was struck with what appeared to be a pellet from a shotgun blast and he declined medical aid. Witnesses said the suspect vehicle was described as an under cover type police car. The car was described as being like a Ford Crown Victorian with tinted back windows, dark rims, and either black or dark blue vehicle color. The suspect vehicle was last seen heading northbound on Fallbrook Ave towards Wyandotte Ave. Deputies later spotted a possible suspect vehicle which turned onto HWY 70 going towards Chico. Deputies made a felony high risk car stop on the vehicle on HWY 149 at Openshaw Rd. The occupants were detained and later determined that they were not involved in the drive by shooting. The occupants were released at the scene. Anyone with information about the drive by shooting is asked to contact the Butte County Sheriff Department at 530-538-7321.

DATE : 3-1-07 SUBJECT: Reward money press conference RELEASED BY: Sgt. Steve Boyd CONTACT # : Sgt. Steve Boyd/North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On March 26, at 2:00 pm the Carole Sund/Carrington Reward Foundation will be presenting two checks for the reward offered in the Kevin Kimble Homicide. Two individuals provided much needed information in this case and will receive $2,500.00 each. Their information lead to the arrest of Allen Fairman, who fled the state to Oregon. One year and two days after the incident, Allen Fairman was sentenced to 25 years to life for the homicide. Without the assistance of the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation and the two informants, this case would have been very difficult to solve. The press conference will be held at the Butte County Sheriffs Office in Oroville.

DATE : 03-01-07 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 530 538-7671 The Butte County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for any information they may have on a suspicious subject near or around school bus stops in the South County Area that might match the following behavior. In a report we are currently investigating, the subject was in possession of emergency red and blue lights that could be used to conduct traffic stops. Also in his vehicle were items that could be used to attract children over to his car. During a search of this person's vehicle and residence nothing illegal was located. Because of the suspicious behavior of this individual our investigation is still on going in this case. So far no children have reported being approached or spoken to by him. We are however getting reports that this individual has identified himself as an undercover FBI agent when approached by citizens. The Butte County Sheriff's Department would like to remind all parents and guardians to always be on guard for these types of individuals and to report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately.

DATE :2-26-07 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Mike Lydon CONTACT # 891-2711 0n 02-25-07 at approximately 1358 hours, Deputy Mark Muhlbaier was on patrol in the Magalia area. Muhlbaier saw a red Toyota MR2 with no license plate pulling out of Hill County Store onto southbound Skyway. The vehicle then abruptly turned eastbound onto Steiffer Rd. Muhlbaier turned on his overhead emergency lights and siren. The vehicle continued to accelerate away and failed to yield. Muhlbaier pursued the vehicle eastbound on Steiffer Rd for seven tenths of a mile with speed reaching approximately 60 mph… The driver of the vehicle lost control and slid off the roadway and collided with a tree. The driver of the vehicle received minor injuries, and was transported via ambulance to Feather River Hospital were he was treated and released. The driver was identified as John Randolph Shanks III age 24 of Paradise. Shanks was arrested for DUI, Grand Theft Auto, Possession of Stole Property, Evading a Peace Officer and Being under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. Shanks was transported to BCSO Jail by CHP and booked, bail was set at 22,500 dollars also a no bail Parole Hold was placed on him.

DATE :February 2, 2007 RELEASED BY :Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On 02-02-07, at about 12:11 PM, members from the Butte County Sheriff's Office, the Butte County District Attorney's Office, and the deputies from the Tehama County Sheriff's Office served an arrest warrant on Clinton Ray Egbert (DOB 04-28-60) for the murder of his wife: Tamara Lynn Egbert (DOB 09-05-58), who was dumped over Lookout Point on 02-19-2000. After her recovery and autopsy, it was determined that she was shot to death prior to falling over the ledge. An initial investigation conducted by the Butte County Sheriff's Office and the Chico Police Department identified Clinton Ray Egbert as the primary suspect in the case, but was unable to establish a case strong enough to charge him until now. The case was put in the cold case files until recently when Detective Matt Keeling reviewed the file and believed that case could be prosecuted. Working with the District Attorney and his investigators, Detective Keeling, with the help of the Felony Investigation's Unit, refreshed the old interviews and used advancements in forensics to put the pieces of the puzzle together in this case. The arrest warrant was served on Clinton Ray Egbert near his residence (28450 Fifth Ave, Los Molinos in Tehama County). A subsequent search of Egbert's vehicle that he was driving prior to his arrest revealed an illegally loaded concealed handgun. Egbert was transported to the Butte County Sheriff's jail facility and was booked for an open count of murder with a bail of $1,000,000

DATE : 01-18-07 SUBJECT: C07-10288 RELEASED BY: Sgt. S. Collins CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman/Sgt. S. Collins 530-538-7322 On Wednesday, January 17, 2007, Butte County Deputy Sheriff D. Patterson was working in his assigned position as the Designated Area Deputy (DAD) for Butte Meadows, Cohasset and Forest Ranch. He responded to 156 Laughing Fox Lane, Cohasset, to conduct a follow-up investigation into a report of illegal dumping. He contacted the residents of the address, Kenneth Charles Henderson (09-18-1971) and his girlfriend, Jessica Leann Neel (09-07-1986). Deputy Patterson interviewed Henderson and attempted to detain him for unlawfully dumping garbage and to investigate information that Henderson may have been in possession of a stolen vehicle. Henderson became uncooperative and Deputy Patterson requested assistance from additional units. Butte County Sheriff's Deputies J. Deal, B. Gassaway and A. Staup responded to assist. Further investigation determined that Henderson was unlawfully in possession of firearms, while being the restrained person in a valid restraining order and was cultivating an indoor marijuana grow. Three of the firearms located had been reported as stolen to the Glenn County Sheriff's Department in December 2005. Deputy Patterson also located a Bobcat tractor in the yard near Henderson's house, and found it had been reported stolen to the Chico Police Department by Waste Management in Chico. Based on these facts, Deputy Patterson secured the residence while Deputy Deal obtained a search warrant for the property. At approximately 9:50 p.m., Deputies Deal, Gassaway and Patterson served the search warrant at the property and discovered numerous additional items of stolen property from the same Glenn County burglary, as well as 24 growing marijuana plants, 7.27 pounds of processed marijuana, of which 4 pounds were packaged for sale, 3.7 ounces of concentrated cannabis (hash), .2 ounces methamphetamine, narcotics paraphernalia and $47,838.00 cash. Detective Hancock from the Butte County Sheriff's Marijuana Suppression Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Additionally, the carcass of a frozen bobcat was located inside a freezer and subsequently taken, which was later released to Fish and Game. Charges will follow for the violation of the possession of an untagged bobcat. Both subjects were arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail for the following charges: 10851 CVC, grand theft of the Bobcat tractor 496 PC, possession of 3 stolen guns 11358 H&S, cultivation of marijuana 11359 H&S, possession of marijuana for sales 11357(c) H&S, possession of over 1 oz of marijuana 11377(a) H&S, possession of methamphetamine 11364 H&S, possession of narcotics paraphernalia 11357(a) H&S, possession of concentrated cannabis Henderson was also booked for the following additional charges: 148(a)(1) PC obstructing/delaying a Peace Officer. 12021(g)(1) PC possession of firearms when prohibited by a restraining order. Henderson's bail was set at $203,000.00. Neel's bail was set at $196,000.00. This is one example of the success that comes from the Designated Area Deputies working in the rural outlying areas and addressing the problems that frequent those areas.

DATE : January 12, 2007 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Jason Hail CONTACT # : 538-7321 On January 12, 2007, in addition to the normal patrol level staffing, the Butte County Sheriff's Office fielded two teams consisting of eleven deputies and two sergeants to participate in the first ever Sheriff's Targeted Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.). The purpose of this program is to serve arrest and search warrants, conduct parole and probation searches and to saturate areas of the county where there has been an increase in criminal activity. Of the two teams formed for today, one team was assigned to the South County area (Oroville) and the other to the North County area (Chico/Magalia). As a result of the today's activities, 5 individuals were arrested for outstanding warrants, 1 person was arrested for a fresh misdemeanor Health and Safety Code violation, 2 reports were taken for submission to the Probation Department for violations of probation terms, seventeen attempts were made to serve arrest warrants, 2 parole searches were conducted along with thirteen probation searches. No overtime costs were associated with this activity.

DATE :1-9-07 RELEASED BY: Sgt Mike Lydon CONTACT # 891-2711 AT RISK RUNAWAY JUVENILE The Butte County Sheriff's Office is asking for the help of the Media and the Public in locating an at risk runaway juvenile. The runaway is a Jasmine Lamumba she is described as black female 13 years of age, 4'10" 85 pounds last seen wearing a baby blue jacket and blue jeans. Jasmine was last seen in the area of W. Sacramento Ave. and Nord Ave. at 0800hrs today. Jasmine is an insulin dependent diabetic and has no medication with her. The Butte County Sheriff's Office is asking if you see Jasmine to please call the Sheriff's Office immediately.

2006

DATE : 12-30-2006 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Marty Rolph CONTACT # : 538-7321 On December 30, 2006 at approximately 10:13 PM Deputy Jason Louis stopped a suspicious person in the Oroville Wildlife Area off of Oroville Dam Blvd. Oroville. Approximately three minutes later Deputy Louis called for assistance stating he had been shot. Law Enforcement Officers from around the county responded to the scene and conducted a massive search of the area but were unable to locate Deputy Louis' assailant. Deputy Louis told responding Officers and Deputies that he had been involved in an altercation with the unknown suspect. During the assault the suspect was able to remove the deputy's handgun from his holster. They both struggled for the handgun and during the struggle Deputy Louis received a single gunshot wound to his leg. Deputy Louis was transported to Enloe Hospital and treated for his injury. Deputy Louis is reported to be in stable condition. The Butte County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating Deputy Louis' assailant. The suspect is described as a White Male Adult approximately 6 feet tall medium build, wearing dark colored pants, a dark green army style jacket, a dark hooded sweat shirt, and dark gloves. Anyone with information regarding the assault is asked to call the Butte County Sheriff's Department.

DATE : 10-20-06 SUBJECT: C06-15261 RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman/North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 At about 12:30 am on Friday October 20, 2006, the Butte County Sheriff's Department received a report of a burglary in progress at the All Secure Storage in an unincorporated area of North Chico. The reporting party advised hearing noise in the northeastern area of the yard that sounded like someone breaking into the recreational vehicles stored there. Butte County Sheriff's Deputies arrived at scene, and observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Deputies checked the area for the vehicle. Deputy J. Deal located the suspect vehicle parked in the parking lot of a nearby apartment complex, unoccupied. Deputy T. Panuke located the owner of the vehicle, Kyle Daniel Peterson, an 18 year old Chico resident, walking in the neighborhood. Further investigation by Deputy A. Staup and Deputy J. Deal determined that property located inside Peterson's vehicle had been stolen from boats secured inside the All Secure Storage facility. Peterson was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail for burglary, possession of burglar's tools, possession of narcotics for sales and possession of stolen property. Without a citizen's vigilant response to suspicious activity in the area, which he reported to the Sheriff's Department, this case would not have been solved so quickly. The Butte County Sheriff's Department urges all citizens to take an active role in reporting suspicious activities and circumstances in their neighborhoods to Law Enforcement.

DATE : 10/12/06 RELEASED By: Sgt Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 PROJECT SAFE CHILDHOOD (PSC) Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a United States Department of Justice initiative established to increase federal prosecutions of violent sexual predators of children, and to reduce the incidences of internet crimes against children including child pornography trafficking. As a part of PSC, the United States Attorney Office has teamed with state and local agencies to enhance law enforcement presence on the internet, and to educate the public and children of safe internet use, thereby reducing the chance they may fall prey to online sexual predators. In the evening hours of 10/11/06 an extensive joint investigation was conducted throughout Butte County by the Butte County Sheriff's Department, agents from the Safe Street Task Force, Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Justice, Butte County District Attorney's Office, Chico Police Department, Gridley Police Department, California Department of Corrections, Butte County Probation Department, Yuba City Police Department and the Plumas County Sheriff's Department. The Investigation was a proactive effort to locate out of compliance sex registrants in our community. This investigation also included contacting an additional sixty (60) sex registrants to verify their addresses. Several sex registrants' computers were also examined during this time in an effort to locate child pornography violations. During the investigation two individuals were arrested for failing to comply with their sex registration requirements, another two individuals were cited and given a court date for like violations. In addition to the fresh arrests, sufficient information was also obtained during this investigation to request felony charges on seven (7) other individuals for failing to comply with their sex registration requirements. For additional information on the PSC initiative, please go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov or call the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California and ask to speak with the PSC coordinator.

DATE : 10-02-06 SUBJECT: C06-14975 RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : South County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On Sunday 10-01-06 at approximately 10:00 PM, the Butte County Sheriff's Department received multiple reports of shots fired in the area of 6th St. and Grand Ave., in the unincorporated area of Oroville. Upon arrival, Deputies M. Turner and N. McKinney discovered that Evelyn Brenner, a 43 year old resident of 1841 6th St., appeared to have been shot multiple times. They began life-saving measures and requested medical assistance be dispatched. Evelyn was transported by ambulance to Oroville Hospital where further medical assistance was unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead. Butte County Sheriff's Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to further investigate. Through the investigation, David E. Brenner, the 60 year-old Oroville lawn care worker that Evelyn had been married to and separated from, was identified as a suspect. At approximately 12:57 AM on 10-02-06, Deputy M. Basden and Sergeant A. Borgman were conducting surveillance on David's residence when he arrived home. They detained him until Detectives could arrive. Detectives P. Martin and E. Christopher later arrested David and booked him into the Butte County Jail for an open count of homicide.

DATE : 9-28-06 RELEASED BY : Sgt Steven Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On 9-19-06 at 2000 hours an unidentified Hispanic Male Adult grabbed a young girl while she was on her bicycle on Glenwood Ave near Glenn Haven Dr in Chico. The male sexually assaulted the girl prior to him fleeing. The male who, spoke with a Mexican accent, is described as being in his 20's, about 5'8" tall, 180 lbs with medium build, slicked back dark hair, a mustache and goatee. He was wearing a red shirt and dark colored pants with silver boxer style underwear sticking out from the top. The male was driving a red hatchback car with a tinted rear window and silver rims. The Sheriff's Office is asking that anyone with information regarding the identity of this subject please call the Butte County Sheriff's Office Special Victim's Unit at (530) 538-7934 attention Detective Eric Christopher.

DATE : September 19, 2006 RELEASED BY : Lieutenant John Kuhn CONTACT # : 538-7671 On September 10, 2006, a fire was reported in the Plumas National Forrest in the eastern part of Butte County. While attempting to control the fire, firefighters located the remains of two individuals and the wreckage of an aircraft within the perimeter of the fire. An autopsy revealed that the two people died as a result of multiple trauma as a result of the airplane crash. The decedents have been identified as Jeffery Henning (DOB 4-1968) of Chico and Adam Wells (DOB 8-1964) of Paradise.

DATE : September 16, 2006 RELEASED BY : Lieutenant John Kuhn CONTACT # : 538-7671 On September 15, 2006, at approximately 11:53 pm, the Butte County Sheriff's Office dispatch received a 911 call from a resident in the 14000 block of Crescent Dr. in Magalia. The caller stated her boyfriend, Eric Smith (DOB February, 1966) of the Paradise/Magalia area, was upset and went outside the residence armed with a pistol. Four Butte County Deputy Sheriff's and a Sheriff's Sergeant were dispatched to the scene. While the deputies were en route, dispatchers received other calls from residents in the area reporting they heard gun shots. The dispatcher who still had the reporting person on the phone also heard gun shots over the phone. The Deputies arrived at approximately 12:25 am on 9-16-06. While walking up to the residence, the deputies were confronted by an individual, later identified as Eric Smith, who pointed a handgun at them. The deputies told Mr. Smith to put the gun down and he refused. In response to the threat to their lives, the deputies fired their firearms at the suspect mortally wounding him. Medical personnel who had staged in the area responded to the scene but were not able to save the suspect. The Butte County Officer Involved Shooting Protocol Team was activated and responded to conduct the investigation. An autopsy will be conducted in the near future. All of the involved deputies, Silver Paley, Sam Burnett, Mark Muhlbaier, A.M. Rey, and Sergeant Jason Hail have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.

DATE : 9/14/06 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 On 9/12-13/06 the Butte County Sheriff's Marijuana Suppression Unit along with the Sheriff's helicopter eradicated another suspected illegal Mexican National marijuana grow in the French Creek area of the Plumas National Forest. No suspects were located during the eradication process. The illegal grow was discovered during an aerial reconnaissance mission using the sheriff's department helicopter. The marijuana plants were being processed by the suspects at the time of the raid and it appeared that some plants had already been successfully cultivated. 2112 plants were eradicated with an estimated street value of $8,448,000. No firearms were located in this garden area. Most plants were on a drip system however some were being watered by hand. The suspects cut down Manzanita bushes and numerous trees to make room for the illegal operation. Due to the rugged terrain and the layout of the garden it took 5 deputies 2 days to search and eradicate this garden. The sheriff's department would like to encourage the public to report any suspected illegal marijuana cultivation or sales of marijuana. The public can call 538-7389 and you may be able to remain anonymous.

DATE : September 7, 2006 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On 9-6-06 at approximately 0713 hours the Butte County Sheriff's dispatch received a call from an individual stating two children told her they had located what appeared to be a deceased person lying on the side of the road off of Citrus Avenue in Palermo. Deputies responded to the scene and located a deceased male. Butte County Sheriff's Office detectives and crime scene investigators were summoned to the scene and assumed the investigation. Detectives identified the deceased male as Marlin John Dills (DOB 11/24/87) of Oroville. As a result of a preliminary trauma examination Dills appeared to have died from several gunshot wounds to his chest and head. Throughout the day investigators interviewed friends and family to try and reconstruct Dills' activities prior to his death. Late in the day detectives identified two subjects that where with Dills the night before he was found dead. Those subjects were identified as Anthony Dean Dixon III (DOB 07/31/85) of Palermo and Freeman Andrew Kellison (DOB 12/23/86) also of Palermo. Detectives contacted them and served a search warrant on Kellison's home at 7160 Citrus Avenue in Palermo. As the investigation continued probable cause was established that both Kellison and Dixon worked together in assaulting Dills, resulting in Dills' death. Kellison was arrested for Dills' murder at 4:00 PM and Dixon was arrest at 6:30 PM on 09/06/06 for the same murder. Both are being held at the Butte County Sheriff's Jail without bail.

DATE : September 6, 2006 RELEASED BY : Lieutenant John Kuhn CONTACT # : 538-7671 On 9-6-06 at approximately 0713 hours the Butte County Sheriff's dispatch received a call from an individual stating the two children told her that they had located what appeared to be a deceased person lying on the side of the road off of Citrus Avenue in Palermo. Deputies responded to the scene and located a deceased male. Butte County Sheriff's Office detectives and crime scene investigators were summoned to the scene and assumed the investigation. Due to what appears to be evidence of felonious assault, this death is being treated as a homicide. The decedent's name is not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled in order to determine the cause of death. The investigation is continuing at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Butte County Sheriff's office at 538-7671.

DATE : September 4, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On September 3, 2006 at approximately 2145 hours, Deputies from the Butte County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a man-down in front of 14832 Crescent Drive, Magalia, California. Deputies arrived and discovered Paul Robert Prestridge (DOB 03/27/77) lying on the ground in front of the residence. Prestridge was not breathing and appeared to have been the victim of an assault. Life saving measures proved futile as medical personnel responded and transported the subject to Feather River Hospital, Paradise. Prestridge was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Detectives from the Butte County Sheriff's Office Felony Investigations Unit responded to take over the investigation. The home was processed by Crime Scene Investigators and witness interviews were conducted. After examining all the evidence and comparing it to witness accounts, detectives were able identify a person of interest. Darrin Lee Pacheco (DOB 04/25/68) from the Auburn, Ca. area in Placer County was contacted by detectives via cell phone. Detectives negotiated Pacheco's surrender to the Placer County Sheriff's Office for a Parole violation. Pacheco was arrested for that violation at 1000 on 09/05/06 at their Auburn substation. Detective from the Butte County Sheriff's Office responded to Auburn and subsequently arrested Pacheco for murder. Pacheco waived extradition and was transported back to Butte County to be booked on the fresh homicide charge with no bail.

DATE : September 4, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Jason Hail, North County Watch Commander CONTACT # : 538-7321 On September 3, 2006 at approximately 2145 hours, Deputies from the Butte County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a man-down in front of 14832 Crescent Drive, Magalia, California. Deputies arrived and discovered an unknown white male lying on the ground in front of the residence. The white male subject was not breathing appeared to have been the victim of an assault. Life saving measures proved futile as medical personnel responded and transported the subject to Feather River Hospital, Paradise. The subject was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Detectives from the Butte County Sheriff's Office Felony Investigations Unit responded to take over the investigation. The investigation is continuing at the time of this release.

DATE : 8/30/06 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steve Collins CONTACT # : 538-7389 On 8/29/06 the Butte County Sheriff's Department Marijuana Suppression Unit along with officers from the U.S. Forest Service and Fish and Game raided a suspected Mexican National marijuana grow in the Mosquito Creek area of Berry Creek. The illegal grow was discovered during an aerial reconnaissance mission made possible by the sheriff's department helicopter. The marijuana grow was suspected to be a Mexican National grow due to the location, layout, and size of the marijuana grow. It took about 8-9 hours for the raid team to hike into area, search it, and eradicate the marijuana plants. The terrain was steep and covered with thick brush, manzanita, trees, and rocks. No suspects were located however evidence was found that indicated they had left the area around the same time as the raid. It also appeared that the suspects were in the process of harvesting the marijuana plants. The total number of marijuana plants eradicated was 3,210 plants that ranged from about 4 to 8 feet tall. The street value for this marijuana garden would be around $12,840,000. The raid was aided be the Sheriff's helicopter that carried the marijuana plants in nets from the grow area to a nearby location. From there the plants were transported to the sheriff's department where they were subsequently destroyed. The sheriff's department would like to remind citizens if they suspect an illegal marijuana grow they can report it by calling 538-7389, and they can remain anonymous.

DATE : June 27, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On 06/26/06, at approximately 2330 hours, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call from 2480 Elgin Street, Apartment B, where reports of a subject kicking in the front door and shooting at the inhabitants within the residence had just occurred. Upon arrival, the deputies met with Michael Joe Nunley (59 of Oroville), who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. A short time later the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received information from Oroville Hospital, stating that they also had a gunshot victim with a wound to his leg. Upon deputies responding to Oroville Hospital, they met with James Thomas Mabbs (21 of Oroville). Mabbs was found to be in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his interview at the hospital. The investigation is continuing and the Sheriff’s office is requesting that anyone with any information regarding the incident to contact Detective Steve Boyd at the Butte County Sheriff Felony Investigation Unit at (530) 538-7671.

DATE : 06-21-06 SUBJECT: C06-13086 RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman/North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On 06-20-06, Butte County Deputy Sheriff A. Staup responded to a report of mail theft in the Durham area. The victim suspected her newspaper delivery person was responsible. The victim set up a video camera to record any activity at her mailbox, placed mail in the mailbox and put the flag up. Deputy Staup watched the video, which showed the suspect deliver the victims paper then take mail from the victim's mailbox. On 06-21-06, Deputy Staup responded back to the victim's neighborhood, and observed Jennifer Davison, a 40 year old Chico resident and newspaper delivery person, deliver the victim's San Francisco Chronicle and remove mail from the victim's mailbox. Deputy Staup initiated an investigatory stop on Davison's vehicle, contacted and identified her. Deputy Staup subsequently arrested Davison for the theft from the mailbox and searched her car. Deputy Staup located additional pieces of mail from other victims inside Davison's car, and contacted Postal Inspector D. Cook. Subsequent investigation by Deputy Staup, Inspector Cook and the Butte County Sheriff's Felony Investigation's Unit, revealed that Davison had taken mail from at least a half a dozen additional victims in the Durham and Chico areas. Not all of the victims were Chronicle subscribers. Davison stole gift cards and checks, which she subsequently cashed. Davison is currently being held in the Butte County Jail on $93,000 bail for theft, possession of stolen property and forgery charges. Additional Federal felony charges of mail theft are pending. Citizens should be reminded that their outgoing mail should be placed in secure mailboxes, such as those inside a Post Office or locked "cluster boxes" to minimize the risk of their mail being stolen and thieves accessing their personal financial information. Additionally, it is recommended that citizens use locking mailboxes or P.O. Boxes to receive their mail, to further reduce their chances of their mail being stolen and becoming the victim of identity theft.

DATE : 6/9/2006 RELEASED BY : Sergeant StevenPelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On 6/8/2006 Butte County Sheriff's Detective Dan Angel and Oroville Police Department Lt. Frank Belser, working with Officers from several other agencies, learned the location of Andrew Clarence Drasal (1/9/79). Through the course of the investigation Drasal was identified as a major participant in a crime spree plaguing Butte County. At the time of his arrest Drasal was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. Andrew was also found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle with stolen license plates placed on it to conceal the fact that the vehicle was stolen. The arrest of Andrew was a result of 13 law enforcement agencies working together to stop an extensive and organized burglary ring operating throughout central and northern California. All investigating agencies had been experiencing the same types of crimes with the same methods of operation. Andrew was booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of possession of stolen property, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, theft, grand theft, vehicle theft, committing a felony while on bail, theft with priors, burglary, possession of a methamphetamine smoking devise and giving a false name to police. Drasal is currently being held without bail. Also arrested with Drasal were Jeremy Papish (11/28/71) for vehicle theft, committing a felony while on bail, accessory and possession of stolen property and Kristen Martinez (8/13/79) for possession of stolen property, vehicle theft and possession of a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine.

DATE : May 24, 2006 RELEASED BY : Lieutenant John Kuhn CONTACT # : 538-7671 On May 11, 2006 Butte County Sheriff's Office responded to Lake Oroville regarding a deceased person. At the time the decedent was recovered there was no identifying information on his person. An autopsy reveled that there was no indication of criminal violence involved in the death. We are waiting for toxicology results prior to determining the cause of death. On May 23, 2006, fingerprints taken from the unidentified person by the California Department of Justice were compared to Gavin Steffensen, 18YOA of Paradise, who had been reported missing early in April 2006. After making this comparison, the California DOJ positively identified the decedent as Gavin Steffensen.

DATE : 04/04/06 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On 04/04/06 Deputies from the Special Enforcement Unit of the Butte County Sheriff's Department along with Officers from Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force, served a search warrant on the residence of 2174 Baldwin Ave in Palermo. The residence which sits right behind Palermo School has been under investigation for several weeks. Deana Thompson DOB: 10/11/66 as arrested for possession of marijuana for sale. Ellen Woinoski DOB: 06/15/41 and Brian Conn DOB: 06/20/67 were arrested for felony child endangerment. Ruth Davis DOB: 02/20/66 was arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine and for felony child endangerment. Rex Bradford DOB: 01/22/63 and Janabeth Storey DOB: 04/18/74 were arrested for possession of glass smoking devices, possession of hypodermic syringes, possession of methamphetamine and felony child endangerment. A total of four (4) children were taken from the home, which was deemed to be unsuitable for habitation by county code enforcement. We would like to continue to encourage the public to continue to provide information to law enforcement of suspicious activity and odors coming from residences.

DATE : March 24, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 As a result or detectives continuing to investigate the activities of an Oroville criminal street gang that was identified after the beating of Andrew Millerberg, several more arrests have been made. Detectives have arrested eight Juveniles associated with the gang for charges ranging from strong arm robbery to assault with a deadly weapon. The Sheriff's Office remains committed to disbanding the gang problem now plaguing our community by actively investigating their crimes and requesting complaints with gang enhancements whenever a group chooses to engage in criminal activity and intimidation.

DATE : March 24, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On 03-23-06, at 0430 hours, Deputy Sheriff Doug Patterson located a suspect, identified as 31 year old Chico resident Keith Webb, securing a $38,000.00 Kabota tractor, equipped with a bucket and back hoe, onto his personal trailer near Industrial Power Products, a Chico Kabota dealership located at 355 East Park Avenue. Webb and his vehicle matched the description of a tractor theft that Deputy Patterson responded to in December 2005 at Chico Farm and Orchard. Deputy Patterson contacted Webb, who stated that the Kabota had fallen off the trailer and he was re-securing it. Knowing that Industrial Power Products is closed at 0430 hours and does not have products leaving their facility at that time, Webb was detained. Industrial Power Products' owner arrived on scene and assisted in removing the large Kabota from Webb's trailer. During an inventory search of Webb's vehicle, a loaded firearm was recovered as well as numerous keys able to operate numerous brands of tractors and farm equipment. The Butte County Felony Investigations unit is continuing to link Webb with numerous tractor thefts in Butte County and other surrounding counties. Webb was arrested for grand theft, possession of stolen property, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of burglary tools. Webb was booked at the Butte County Jail with a bail of $100,000.

DATE : 3-16-06 RELEASED BY : Sgt Steve Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On Thursday March 16, 2006 at approximately 3:30 PM Butte County Sheriff's Detectives served a search warrant at an apartment located at 729 Nord Ave in Chico as a result of allegation of a child molest that was reported earlier. The investigation revealed that 21 year old Michael Miller of Chico was using a computer at this location to communicate with a female child under the age of 14. These communications reportedly lead to a sexual encounter between Miller and the child. Later in the day Michael was located in his apartment at 729 W 2nd Ave #11 in Chico where he was arrested. Miller is charged with lewd acts upon a child under 14 years old, oral copulation of a child under 14 years old, penetration with a foreign object of a minor under 14 years old. Miller was booked into the Butte County Jail on $225,000.00 bail.

DATE : March 14, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 Detectives with the Sacramento County's Violent Crimes Task Force located Edward Eugene Eastes (DOB; 03/28/63) today at approximately 3:10 PM as a result of a tip. Eastes was taken into custody without incident at the Lucky Derby Casino located at 7433 Greenback Lane in Sacramento. Eastes was wanted locally for the bank robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank in Chico last week. While in Sacramento Eastes was believed to be responsible for two robberies of a Sacramento area bank that occurred within days of each other. This case was aided greatly from tips provided by the community with the help of the local media. The Sheriff's Office thanks those that helped identify Eastes and eventually helped in locating and capturing him.

DATE : March 10, 2006 RELEASED BY: Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 Detectives with the Butte County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of members of the community, were able to identify a suspect in the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank in Chico. As of this time a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Edward Eugene Eastes (DOB; 03/28/63) for that robbery. Eastes is currently at large and law enforcement is attempting to locate him. With this press release the Sheriff's Office is also releasing a photograph of Eastes in hopes that the citizens can continue to aid in his location and capture. The investigation also leads detectives to believe that Eastes has taken steps to remove his facial hair and or cut his head hair. Detective have reason to believe that Eastes is associated with the following vehicle: 1995 green Saturn (Ca. Personalized plate: WILDWEN) The Butte County Sheriff's Office would like to express their thanks for the assistance already provided by the citizens of the County in identifying Edward Eastes as a suspect. The Sheriff's Office also encourages citizens to continue to call in with information that would help in locating Eastes' current location.

DATE :2-10-06 RELEASED BY: Sgt. Mike Lydon CONTACT # :891-2711 Home Invasion Robbery On 2-10-06 at approximately 2237hrs the Butte County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call from a resident at 1745 Palm Ave that a Home Invasion Robbery had just occurred. Deputies responded to the scene and the victim relayed the following information to them. The victim answered a knock at his front door and was confronted by two masked men. One of the suspects was armed with a semi auto hand gun. The suspects then entered the residence and ordered the victim to give them money. The victim told the suspects he had none, the two then fled on foot, then drove away from the scene in an older model dark full size sedan. The two suspects are described 17 to 20 in age Hispanic males thin built and approximately 5'7" to 5'8". If any one has information to the individuality who committed this crime please call the Butte County Sheriffs Office at 891-2711.

DATE :1/17/2006 RELEASED BY : Detective Angel CONTACT # : 538-7671 The Butte County Sheriff's Office Felony Investigative Unit is seeking information as to the whereabouts of Christopher Lee Pratt (6/29/1966). Pratt is currently wanted by the Butte County Sheriff's Office for felony charges of failure to appear on burglary charges. Pratt also goes by the names Ray Richardson, Ray Phillips and Robert Pratt. If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of Christopher Pratt please call the Sheriff's Investigations Unit at 538-7671. If local media would like a photo of Christopher Pratt please contact the Sheriff's Investigations Unit at 538-7671 so that a photo of Pratt can be e-mailed.

DATE : January 4, 2006 RELEASED BY : Lieutenant John Kuhn CONTACT # : 538-7671 On January 4, 2005, a Butte County Correctional Officer was attacked by an inmate, John Rood, DOB 4-21-83, after returning him to the jail from court. The Correctional Officer received a bite on her neck and other more minor injuries. She has been provided medical assistance and has been released back to work. John Rood is currently in custody for arson, vandalism and battery. Additional charges will be requested as a result of this incident.

2005

DATE : December 12, 2005 RELEASED BY : Crime Prevention Officer Dave Panchesson PRESS CONTACT # : Dave Panchesson 538-7387 The Butte County Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors will be holding their annual Christmas Bike Giveaway on Friday, December 16th at 3pm. This year, over 50 children have been selected by the Salvation Army to receive a bicycle for Christmas. Over the past year, the STARS have collected donated bikes and worked hard on refurbishing them to make them ready for this special day. The event will take place in the Butte County Sheriff's East Facility in Oroville. Only children who have received a letter from the Sheriff's Office may select a bike. Butte County Sheriff Perry Reniff will be on hand to help the little ones make their selections.

DATE : December 9, 2005 RELEASED BY : Crime Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Kyle PRESS CONTACT # : Sheriff Perry Reniff 538-6759 The Butte County's Most Wanted program has had another successful year. Of the 257 fugitives featured between Dec. 10th, 2004 and Dec. 9th 2005, 156 (61%) ended up in custody! 63 (40%) of these arrests were the direct result of citizen tips! The Butte County Most Wanted program is a collaborative effort of all local law enforcement agencies. As such, fugitives wanted in all parts of the county are regularly featured and arrested. For example, of the fugitives arrested in 2005, 60 were wanted by Butte County Sheriff's Office, 15 by the Chico Police Department, 27 by the District Attorney's Office, seven by the Gridley Police Department, 30 by the Oroville Police Department, and 16 by the Paradise Police Department. The Butte County's Most Wanted program continues to reach thousands of Butte County citizens each week. The website, www.buttecounty.net/sheriffs/fugitives.htm, has received over 250,000 hits since its inception in 2003. The Chico Enterprise Record and Oroville Mercury Register feature the Most Wanted each Friday and the Gridley Herald features it on Saturday. KPAY radio and NCN News also feature one fugitive a week on their morning news shows. The Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors also hang Most Wanted posters in local businesses. To request a poster, call the Sheriff's Crime Prevention Office at 538-7822.

DATE : Thursday, December 08, 2005 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 As a result of an excellent investigation completed by the Oroville Police Department which lead to the arrest of a suspect for a murder that occurred in the city of Oroville, evidence was revealed that lead the investigation and arrest of two subjects, Suspects/Arrested: Charles Adam Houk--06/24/1977 Ryan Frank Brewer-04/03/1987 for an attempted murder of Michael Anderson that occurred in the unincorporated area of Oroville on September, 14th 2005. The arrest of Ryan Brewer was made last night at approximately 1930 at Ron's Drive-In at the corner of Lower Wyandotte and Olive Hwy in the City of Oroville by Detectives from the Butte County Sheriff's Office. Charles Houk was already in custody pending charges of murder that were requested by the Oroville Police Department. Although the arrests have been made, the investigation is continuing and anyone with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Joe Deal at the phone number listed below.

DATE : November 29, 2005 RELEASED BY : Crime Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Kyle PRESS CONTACT # : Alice Kienzle, Public Health, 538-7553, Cheryl Kyle, Sheriff's Office, 538-7822 Over 300 Butte County residents have registered for the Successful Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction Conference to be held this Thursday, December 1st from 8:30am until 4:30pm at the Southside Community Center in Oroville (2569 Lower Wyandotte Ave.). This conference will focus on how Butte County can better care for people with substance abuse issues, particularly methamphetamine addiction. Attendees include Butte County physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, attorneys, medical office staff, and more. With methamphetamine abuse reaching epidemic levels across the nation, local and national media have dubbed meth as America's most dangerous drug. Here in Butte County, methamphetamine is responsible for a majority of violent crimes including sexual assaults, child abuse, and even murder. This conference is a positive step toward improving methamphetamine treatment in Butte County and ultimately helping meth addicts win their battle against this devastating drug. This conference features Dr. S. Alex Stalcup, a nationally renowned drug treatment and chemical dependency expert. Dr. Stalcup will discuss how to recognize a person who is experiencing toxic psychosis caused by meth and how safety provide treatment, what is required for treatment of meth dependency, how to support recovery, how to support clients' ability to continue a drug treatment plan, and much more. Additional guest speakers include Sheriff Perry Reniff, Dr. Mark Lundberg (Public Health), Sue Webb-Brown (BINTF), and Don Fultz (Feather River Tribal Health). All will be available for interviews during the 10:30am break. (Continued on 2nd page…) This conference is sponsored by the Butte County Behavioral Health Department, District Attorney, Probation, Public Health, and Sheriff's Department as well as the Butte County Methamphetamine Strike Force. This conference is free of charge and includes a free lunch. At this point, no more reservations are being accepted.

DATE : 11-17-05 SUBJECT: C05-15635-Unlawful Toxic Waste Disposal, Burglary, Vandalism, Conspiracy and Narcotics Arrests RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman/North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 Over the past two months, Compton's Enterprises has had numerous incidents of vandalism, burglary and theft at their south Chico almond processing facility. The vandalism included substances added to the fuel of trucks and almond processing equipment, as well as to their fuel supply tanks on site. A skin irritant was sprayed on numerous surfaces that are contacted by the skin of the employees in the normal course of business. Keys to equipment were also removed preventing the equipment from being used, and various pieces of equipment around the facility were broken or damaged on multiple occasions. In one incident, a hole was drilled through a 1,000 gallon double walled steel tank that stored used oil waiting to be recycled. This caused used engine oil to leak out, contaminating the ground as deep as five feet below the surface. All together, approximately $30,000 in damage was caused by the vandals. This week, Butte County Sheriff's Deputy Horner obtained information that identified the primary suspect as John Paul Smith, a 40 year old Chico mechanic, and began an intense investigation into the series of crimes. On Thursday November 17, 2005, Butte County Sheriff's Deputy Horner arrested John Smith for three counts of vandalism, burglary, causing hazardous waste to be disposed in an unlawful manner, and possession of a methamphetamine pipe. BINTF also charged John with additional charges subsequent to a separate investigation into his manufacturing of methamphetamine. Deputy Horner also arrested John Smith's brother, David Jacob Smith, a 39 year old unemployed truck driver from Forest Ranch, for conspiracy to commit vandalism and possession of a methamphetamine pipe.

DATE : November 9, 2005 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : 538-7671 On November 8, 2005 at approximately 12:51 AM the Butte County Fire Department received a call of a structure fire at 2519 Oro Quincy Highway. During the process of extinguishing the fire, unidentifiable human remains were found in one of the rooms. At that point the Sheriff's Office was called to the scene to conduct an investigation. Due to the circumstances surrounding the fire, detectives and crime scene investigators were requested. Detectives from the Butte County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of Oroville Police Department Detectives and Investigators from the Butte County District Attorney's Office are continuing the investigation into the death. The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact detectives Denny Lewis or Joe Deal the Butte County Sheriff's Office at 538-7671.

DATE : November 8, 2005 RELEASED BY : Crime Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Kyle PRESS CONTACT # : Cheryl Kyle 538-7822 BIKES NEEDED! The Butte County Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors will be holding their annual Christmas Bike Giveaway this December. Last year, over 60 children were selected by the Salvation Army to receive a bicycle for Christmas. Over the past year, the STARS have collected donated bikes and worked hard on refurbishing them to make them ready for this special day. However, the STARS are still in need for more small children's bikes, with a 20 inch tire size or smaller. Community members who are willing to donate new, or like new, bikes to the STARS should call 538-7820 by December 2nd to arrange for delivery and/or pick up. Monetary donations to the Christmas bike program are also needed to help purchase supplies and three-wheeler type bikes for the really small children. These donations can be sent to the STARS at 33 County Center Drive in Oroville. The STARS is a non-profit organization.

DATE : Sunday, October 30, 2005 RELEASED BY : Sergeant Steve Pelton CONTACT # : (530) 538-7671 On April 28, 2004, a homicide occurred on Humboldt Rd. at Hwy 32 in the greater Chico area. Upon Deputies arrival to the scene they located two males lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims was identified as Robert James Gonzalez (DOB: 03/11/1987). The second victim was identified as Robert Jiminez Gonzalez (DOB: 01/16/1966). The two victims were further identified as father and son who where also members of the Sureno gang. Both victims were transported to Enloe Hospital for treatment. Robert James Gonzalez was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Enloe Hospital and Robert Jiminez Gonzalez was permanently paralyzed from a bullet injury to his spine. An investigation was immediately launched by the Butte County Sheriff's Office. Shell casings from a .22 cal firearm were located at the scene along with numerous beer cans and other miscellaneous items. Detective quickly learned that there had been a large group of Norteno gang members (a rival to the Sureno gang) partying at the scene when a fight broke out between the two gangs. The investigation continued over the next 18 months, which eventually lead to identifying Santos Nieto Zepeda Jr. (DOB: 01/22/1985), a Norteno gang member, as the primary suspect in the shooting. The day after the shooting Santos moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon for over one year and then down to Santa Maria, CA. where he was arrested at approximately 1:00pm on 10/29/05 by members of the Butte County Sheriff's Office, Butte County D.A.'s Office, Santa Maria Police Department and F.B.I. At that time, Butte County Sheriff's Office Gang Detectives executed a search warrant on Santo's person, vehicle and home where a loaded firearm matching the caliber and description of the one used in the murder was found and seized. At the same time that the search was being conducted in southern California, Detectives conducted several interviews with Santos' family members still living in Chico. From information collected during the course of this investigation Santos' sister, Cecelia Antionette Zepeda (DOB: 04/26/1982) was arrested and charged with accessory to murder and booked into the Butte County Jail on a $1,000,000 bail. Santo's was transported back to Butte County by the local arresting officers that took him into custody.

DATE : October 18 , 2005 RELEASED BY : Crime Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Kyle PRESS CONTACT # : Cheryl Kyle 538-7822 On Monday, October 24th at 3:30pm at the Chico Boys and Girls Club (601 Wall Street, Chico), the Butte County Methamphetamine Strike Force will be kicking off a $10,000 major media campaign on Meth in Butte County. The press conference will include BINTF officers in "lab busting" regalia with photos to share; Indy, the Interquest drug-sniffing dog; the teens who helped record the radio public service announcements; a live radio remote with Colors 92.7; and the unveiling of the "Extreme Makeover" posters. Butte County has had the sad notoriety of being one of the worst counties in the state for meth production. The county's crime stats have risen accordingly, with a significant percentage of violent crime involving meth users. "Methamphetamine is the #1 drug problem in our county, in our state, and now, in our country, says Reniff. "Prevention is our first and best line of defense, and we need the entire community's help to succeed. This campaign is just the start." The media campaign, "Extreme Makeover: Meth Edition" spoofs the popular makeover shows using photos of addicts before and after their use of methamphetamine. The photos are quite shocking, with drastic changes seen in as little as three months. The Meth Strike Force, made up of individuals from various agencies and community organizations that are dealing with the problem, is charged with prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts. The first project was the launch of www.2stopmeth.org , the site with "before & after" photos used in the campaign, and everything you need to know about Meth.

DATE : 08/20/05 RELEASED BY : Sgt. Steven Pelton CONTACT # : 530.538.7671 On 08/20/05, at approximately 1227 AM, Sheriff's dispatch center received a 911 call regarding a victim of a gunshot at 972 14th street in Oroville. Upon arrival deputies located Jamie Marie Mathis, a 23 year old Oroville woman with a gunshot wound to her chest. Mathis was transported to the Oroville Medical Center Emergency Room where she was pronounced dead at approximately 0110. During the initial investigation, deputies were able to establish that there had been a neighborhood dispute involving Jamie Mathis and Daniel Lyn Estep SR, a 48 year old Oroville man living at 902 14th street. Witnesses reported that one gunshot was heard during the altercation, which resulted in the death of Jamie Mathis. Detectives transported Daniel to the Sheriff's Office for questioning and subsequently arrested him for murder. Initial reports indicate that Daniel is a convicted felon so additional charges for being in possession of a firearm will likely be requested.

DATE : 08-10-05 SUBJECT: C05-13902 RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. A. Borgman/North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On Tuesday August 9, 2005, at approximately 9:40 PM, Butte County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a man wandering around the area of E. 21st ST. and Laurel St., Chico, acting as though he was under the influence of narcotics. Upon arrival, Deputy D. Patterson saw a man, later identified as 19 year old, unemployed, Chico transient, Carston Duncan III, walking in the middle of E. 21st St. exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Deputy Patterson contacted Duncan. Duncan refused to comply with any directions from Deputy Patterson and was chanting using unrecognizable language. Deputy Patterson continued to give verbal commands to Duncan who then began to charge Deputy Patterson. Deputy Patterson shot Duncan with his Department issued Taser. During the normal activation of the Taser, Duncan was able to break free from the Taser and ran northbound and into a residence on Sunrise Ct. A perimeter was established and Duncan was run out of the residence by relatives of the homes owner. He ran to E. 20th St. where he was detained by waiting CHP and Chico Police Officers on the perimeter. After a medical examination at an area hospital, it was determined that Duncan suffered no injuries from the activation of the Taser. Duncan was placed under arrest for resisting arrest, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe, possession of marijuana and violation of Probation and booked into the Butte County Jail on $19,370 bail.

DATE : 08-09-05 SUBJECT: C05-13898 RELEASED BY: Sgt. A. Borgman CONTACT # : Sgt. J. Hail/North County Watch Commander 530-538-7322 On Tuesday August 9, 2005, at approximately 3:00 PM, Butte County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a residence on Hicks Lane north of Chico for a report of an assault. Upon investigation, Deputy T. Sylvia and Deputy D. Angel determined that 20 year old Chico resident Trevor J. Wilkins assaulted his 72 year old neighbor, Fern Gilliland, when Gilliland had a verbal dispute with Wilkins' grandfather. After Wilkins punched Gilliland numerous times, Gilliland managed to break free and run into his residence. Gilliland locked his door behind him when he went into his house, but Wilkins broke down Gilliland's door and pursued Gilliland into his house. Gilliland ran into another room and fearing further assault by Wilkins got a gun. Wilkins attempted to take the gun from Gilliland, but Gilliland managed to maintain possession of it. The two allegedly struggled over the gun for approximately five minutes before Wilkins gave up, let go of the gun and ran out of the house. After a medical examination at scene, Gilliland was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The full extent of his injuries is not known at the time of this release. Wilkins was placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and elder abuse. Wilkins was also examined at an area hospital prior to being booked into the Butte County Jail on $65,000 bail.

DATE : 8-9-05 RELEASED BY : Detective Eric Christopher CONTACT : Detective Joseph Deal - 538-7671 After 9:00 PM on August 6, 2005, Butte County Sheriff's Deputies and Gridley Police Officers were c