At the top of this week’s report, sheriff’s officials shared that a pair of thieves claiming to be home cleaners were recently arrested with help from a Good Samaritan and the homeowner.
One of two Aug 2, 2025 vehicle wrecks that drew a Calaveras Consolidated Fire response.
Courtesy photo/CalCo
According to Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spokesperson Lt. Greg Stark, on the afternoon of July 26, dispatchers received a report of an active burglary in progress at a residence listed for sale in the 20000 block of Jesus Maria Road in Mountain Ranch.
“A Good Samaritan intervened by positioning their vehicle to block the suspect’s vehicle from fleeing the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival,” Stark recounted.
“Patrol deputies immediately responded to the scene and contacted two individuals, later identified as Jeffrey Charles Darwin, 48, and Clint William Thompson, 49. Both suspects claimed they were at the property to conduct a cleanup on behalf of the realtor. One suspect was actively on the phone with a female, who claimed she was the realtor for the property.
“The deputy then spoke with the alleged realtor and asked basic property-related questions, but she was unable to answer them. It became clear that the suspects did not have permission to be on the property. It was also discovered that the suspects had entered the residence and removed items from within.”
Stark added, “This was confirmed by the homeowner, who was at the scene. The homeowner identified a broken doorknob and a damaged rear sliding glass door, which were determined to be the points of entry and exit used during this incident.
“A search of the suspects also revealed unique memorabilia items that they claimed were theirs. Numerous bags containing stolen items from within the home were also located in their vehicle and trailer. The homeowner reviewed the memorabilia items at the scene and determined that they belonged to his daughter.
“Additional items were also identified as belonging to the victim and were originally located inside the home. The suspects were also found to be in possession of burglary tools, including sledgehammers, power cutting tools, and a crowbar.”
Stark said it was determined that the estimated total cost to repair the damages was over $2,000 and the value of the stolen and recovered items, including the memorabilia, was estimated at approximately $3,000.
The two suspects were taken into custody without incident and booked at the Calaveras County Jail on multiple felonies. including first degree burglary, criminal conspiracy, and vandalism along with misdemeanor possession of burglary tools.
Stephen James Scott, 50, wanted in connection with a pair of six-year-old burglaries, was recently located in Mendocino, transported to the county jail over the weekend.
Stark explained that the initial case dates back to November 14, 2019, when a deputy was dispatched to the 1000 block of Utica Power House Road in Murphys for a report of an unknown male in a residence, who was gone upon the deputy’s arrival. However, the suspect was identified from a license plate gained during the investigation. He was also connected to another theft/burglary a week later in the 12000 block of Sheep Ranch Road, in Sheep Ranch so a warrant was issued.
On July 30, Sheriff Rachelle Whiting held a swearing-in of the agency’s newest team members along with a ceremony marking promotional advancements of several current employees.
In addition to having personnel, family and friends in attendance, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, who was at the government center holding open office hours, came out to support the event.
The new employees are Deputy Devin Nisbet, Correctional Officer Tiffany Kittrell, Correctional Officer Dylan Doporto, Correctional Officer Timothy Satkamp, Records Manager Nicole Greene, and Dispatchers Mackenzie Pekarek, Karina Records and Hailee Bohren. Those receiving promotions were Corporal Jesse Silva, Corporal William Cordova, Correctional Sergeant Amber Rojo, and Correctional Corporal Christine Wilson.
In addition to what Stark described as the traditional accoutrements associated with swearing in ceremony, those who took the oath also received from Alvarado-Gil a certificate of recognition from the California State Senate
Fire agency activities
On Saturday, firefighters responded to two vehicle accidents in Valley Springs. According to Calaveras Consolidated Fire Chief Dickinson, one on Hogan Dam Road involving a vehicle versus a tree resulted in minor injuries to an adult female, who refused transportation for hospital treatment. The other involved an overturned pick-up with a trailer on Highway 26 near Jenny Lind Elementary School. According to the chief, the adult male involved in the incident was able to climb out of the vehicle and walk away with no injuries. He added that both accidents were under investigation by the California highway Patrol (CHP).
In San Andreas, the Marshall Fire in the 400 block of East St. Charles St. near Mountain Ranch Road and Marshall Avenue behind an apartment complex, ignited on July 30 in the 4 p.m. hour. Forward progress was quickly stopped and the incident was measured at about three-quarters of an acre.
Another blaze that day, dubbed the McCormick Fire, was described as a three-acre vegetation blaze near forest roads 4N03 and 5N07 in the Middle Fork Stanislaus River drainage south of Avery but in Tuolumne County. It was still being fought the next day as the location was in steep terrain with very limited access.
Firefighters on July 30 set to working on managing local lightning strike fires smoldering in the forest. According to Stanislaus National Forest officials, units responded to two confirmed wildfires that drew full wildland responses as well as two smoke checks for possible fires. Over the previous 24 hours, it was reported that there were 289 lightning strikes with 72 confirmed ground contacts. The Kitchen Fire, west of Union Reservoir, was described as being a 30 ft x 30 ft spot burning in timber and brush with a slow rate of spread. The Trout Fire, located off Forest Service Road 3N20, north of Hull Creek/Trout Creek OHV area, was similarly described.
Resources were called to the Dry Fire, initially reported by the Mount Elizabeth lookout as a small white smoke column with a slow rate of spread. Its location was described as being on a ridgeline above Dry Meadow, near the Stanislaus National Forest Dry Meadow Fire Station. Also reported was a close by incident called the Fisher Fire, also reported by the Mount Elizabeth lookout.
Road work
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is now in the process of upgrading pedestrian facilities on HIghway 49 as part of the Angels Camp Complete Streets Project. Beginning Sunday, improvements will be made to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
The work, being done by George Reed, Inc. of Modesto, is expected to take approximately 14 months and cost $8 million. The scope includes a new intersection signal, curb ramps, and sidewalks.This week, motorists can expect nighttime, one-way traffic control from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m., as crews install concrete barriers between Church Street/Pine Street and Copello Drive.
Along Highway 4, motorists should anticipate brief delays for ongoing long-term highway construction in the Angels Camp area between Bonanza Mine Way and Appaloosa Road weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. although crews should be clearing the area for the weekend by Friday at 3 p.m.
Additionally, on Highway 4 in Arnold environs, one-way traffic control for drainage work is slated between Strawberry Hill Road and Forest Meadows Drive Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
On Highway 49 in San Andreas, Tuesday through Thursday utility workers will be working along the shoulder between Pool Station Road and Highway 12. Motorists should anticipate one-way traffic control from Highway 12 to Avenue B for tree work Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. On Highway 12 at Central Hill Road there will be one-way traffic control for utility work on Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m..
On Highway 26 the long-term one-way traffic control from Gill Haven Drive to Rich Gulch Lane for highway construction work continues. There is also highway construction planned between Montgomery Drive and Gill Haven Drive Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Friday until 3 p.m.
Tree work on Highway 26 Tuesday will slow traffic between Lafayette Street and Prindle Road from 8 a.m. until noon and between Lower Dorray and Ridge roads from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m.
There is also one-way traffic control at South Fork Mokelumne River Bridge for highway construction work Thursday from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Friday until 3 p.m.A striping operation Monday through Thursday on Highway 26 between Highway 49 Mokelumne Hill and the Calaveras/Amador counties’ line will be done under a moving closure in the number 1 lane.
Loading Comments