| Courthouse Break In 2/1/2012 |
| On February 1, 2012 at approximately 7:10 am the Yreka Police Department (YPD) received a report of a break in at the Siskiyou County Courthouse. The initial report was that the gold case located in the lobby of the Courthouse had been broken into and gold was missing. YPD officers and Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) Deputies and Detectives responded to the courthouse. A preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 1:00 am two male individuals broke into the gold case and removed the contents. According to Siskiyou County Treasurer Wayne Hammer the total value of the gold in the case is approximately $3 million dollars. The total value of what was taken is still being ascertained. Sheriff Lopey stated "The SCSO is aggressively pursuing investigative leads in this case. YPD and the California Department of Justice are assisting us with the investigation and we have a team of highly skilled SCSO Detectives developing some promising leads. These thieves not only stole valuable gold that belongs to the people of Siskiyou County but these individuals violated the security and sanctity of our courthouse and stole a piece of our Siskiyou County history. We will not rest until the perpetrators are identified and held to answer for their crimes." If anyone has any information regarding this crime please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Detectives Bureau at 841-2900. |
| Hawkinsville Assault 2/1/2012 |
| On January 31, 2012 at approximately 6:45pm the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an assault victim in the hospital. The victim stated that her husband Joshua Lee, 33 of Montague, had forced her into his vehicle at knife point. He then drove her towards Hawkinsville on Hwy 263. At one point he stopped his vehicle and tried to force the victim into another vehicle. While Lee was trying to force her into the other vehicle the victim managed to get away. A passing vehicle stopped to help the victim, after the victim got into the Good Samaritan's vehicle Lee lunged through an open passenger window and attempted to get into the vehicle. The Good Samaritan continued to drive the vehicle and Lee was drug beside the vehicle for some distance. Lee finally let go of the vehicle and the Good Samaritan took the victim to Fairchild Medical Center where she was treated for stab wounds and released. Sheriff's Deputies, California Highway Patrol and Yreka Police Department conducted a search of the area and were unable to locate Lee. It is believed that Lee may have suffered significant injuries during this incident. Lee is wanted for domestic violence charges and assault with a deadly weapon. He is also wanted for a probation violation as he was released from California Department of Corrections on 1/11/2012 as part of the state realignment. Lee was classified by the CDC as a non- violent offender by his past charges. Information was received that Lee may be in possession of a handgun as well as the knife used in the incident. The Siskiyou County Sheriff Office is considering Lee as "armed and dangerous." Currently deputies and members of the Siskiyou County Probation department are searching for Lee. If he is seen contact law enforcement immediately. Sheriff Lopey stated "I would like to thank CHP and YPD for their assistance with this case last night. We are vigorously pursuing the suspect in this case and will be making an arrest as soon as possible." |
| AVOID Press Release, Super Bowl Weekend 1/30/2012 |
| Don't Let Alcohol Force You Out of the Game Be sure to include a designated driver in your starting lineup this weekend Siskiyou County, CA - The Avoid the 8 Siskiyou County DUI Campaign is reminding football fans watching this year's Super Bowl game with friends and family to make the right decision before kickoff and game plan in a designated sober driver. Law Enforcement joins with the national "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" message from the National Football League (NFL), the California office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition. The Avoid the 8 DUI Task Force will be deploying special roving DUI patrols on Sunday, February 5th in several communities throughout the area looking to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. These DUI patrols are, in addition to regularly scheduled patrol officers, all looking for the tale-tell signs of an intoxicated driver behind the wheel. In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Californian, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. "We're reminding everyone that real Super Bowl Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk," stated Sheriff Jon Lopey. "We are asking all party hosts and bar owners to take extra good care of designated sober drivers this year. Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win." The Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk message supports the league-wide designated-driver campaign called Responsibility Has Its Rewards. Celebrating its ninth season in 2011, the campaign encourages fans to participate in designated-driver programs supported by beer and concessionaire companies at every NFL stadium nationwide. The Responsibility Has Its Rewards Super Bowl XLVI winners were randomly selected Designated Drivers for the Season from the AFC Champion and NFC Champion teams. They attend the 2012 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, HI. Rewarding responsible behavior is just as important to the Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk safety message as reminding fans about the risks of drinking and driving. "We want everyone to make the right decision on Super Bowl Sunday," said Chris Murphy, Director of the Californian Office of Traffic Safety. "Having a designated sober driver should be an obvious call in everyone's play book. Making sure designated sober drivers know how much we appreciate their responsible decision is what will make this year's celebration extra special - and extra safe." The Avoid DUI Patrols are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety who reminds everyone to please; Report Drunk Drivers - Call 9-1-1! More information can be found on NHTSA's Super Bowl XLVI page; Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk; and OTS's California Avoid DUI If you are hosting a Super Bowl XLVI Party: *Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers *Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party *Give them a great spot to watch the game *Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full *Let them have the first pass at the buffet table *Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home *Serve plenty of food *Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like non-alcohol beers, soft drinks, juice, and water *Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks *Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age *Determine ahead of time when you'll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert *Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away *Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired *Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant: *Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink *Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out at a bar or restaurant *Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out *Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas *Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full *Pick up the tab for their food and drink *Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away *Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself-eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks. *Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired. Remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. *Always buckle up - it's your best defense on the road For more information, please visit www.FansDontLetFansDriveDrunk.org or www.californiaavoid.org or http://www.nhtsa.gov/Impaired. |
| Narcotics Investigation 1/24/2012 |
| On January 24, 2012, agents from the Siskiyou County-wide Interagency Narcotic Task Force (SCINTF) conducted a narcotic investigation at a local bus stop in the City of Weed, CA. A narcotic detecting canine from the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office alerted to the presence of drugs in one of the suitcases, stored on the commercial bus. The special agents were approached by a bus passenger who identified himself as Mr. Martin Chavez, 49, of Portland, Oregon. Chavez identified himself as the owner of the suitcase but denied knowing the contents of the suitcase. The agents asked Chavez for permission to search the suitcase and Chavez agreed. The suitcase was opened and the agents observed 12 individual packages wrapped in duct tape, a packaging method consistent with concealing large amounts of contraband. One of the packages was opened and the contents tested positive for methamphetamine. Chavez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale and transportation of methamphetamine. He was booked at the Siskiyou County Jail with a bail of $500,000.00. The total weight of the seized methamphetamine is 11.8 pounds with a street value of just over $1 million dollars. SCINTF agents were assisted in this investigation by officers from the Weed Police Department and Deputies from the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Lopey said, "This was a great case investigated by the Siskiyou County-Wide Interagency Narcotic Task Force (SCINTF), which validates the effectiveness and value of our local drug task force, which is made up of members from the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office, Yreka Police Department, Weed Police Department, Siskiyou County Probation Department, Siskiyou County District Attorney's Office, Mt. Shasta Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Department of Justice's Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement. This major drug arrest also highlights the type and amount of dangerous drugs being transported on our highways. This case also validates the invaluable assistance and support provided by the Sheriff's Office Drug Canine Program. Unfortunately, many illicit drugs are finding their way into our local communities, which requires a strong and sustained law enforcement effort. We also need help from our fellow citizens to eradicate illegal drugs in our communities. All citizens are encouraged to report any suspected illicit drug activity to SCINTF at (530) 842-6116, your local law enforcement agency, or, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at (530) 841-2900." |
| Burglary Investigation and Arrest 1/10/2012 |
| After an extensive 5 month investigation the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has arrested two suspects for several burglaries that occurred on Harry Cash Road and Highway A-12 during September 2011. During the arrest, stolen property was also recovered on behalf of the crime victims by sheriff's deputies. On September 12, 2011, Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) deputies responded to a report of a residential burglary on Harry Cash Road. The victim reported that money, mail, personal information documents (such as birth certificates) firearms and shop equipment was stolen by the burglars. On September 20, 2011, a second burglary was reported to SCSO deputies. The crime occurred on Highway A-12 within the same area as the first burglary. The items reported stolen in the second burglary included hand tools, welding equipment, drills, grinders, mail and personal information documents. During an exhaustive investigation conducted by Deputy Chuck Pipkin, Mr. Steven Thomas, 59, and Ms. Debra Iloilo, 59, were developed as persons of interest and later, primary suspects for the burglaries. The suspects resided in the same areas as the crime victims. Deputy Pipkin attempted to contact the suspects but they fled to the Sacramento area. Deputy Pipkin continued his investigation and eventually recovered some stolen property belonging to the victims, which linked the crimes to the suspects. On October 15, 2011, Deputy Pipkin located a possible storage site for some of the stolen property and with the assistance of the SCSO Detective Unit, pursuant to a search warrant, recovered a large amount of additional stolen property belonging to the victims. On December 19, 2011, after further investigation, the victim of Harry Cash burglary contacted deputies and advised SCSO that the suspects were allegedly cashing checks using the name of one of the crime victims in the Sacramento area. Deputy Pipkin and SCSO Detectives tracked the suspects to a residence in East Sacramento. Deputy Pipkin and other members of the SCSO Detective and Siskiyou County Interagency Narcotics Task Force (SCINTF) Units traveled to Sacramento to serve the search warrant and arrest the suspects. On January 4, 2012, the search and arrest warrants were served and the suspects were successfully arrested without incident by the collective efforts of the Siskiyou County Deputies, SCSO Sergeant, SCSO Detectives, and SCINTF Special Agents, with the assistance of the Sacramento Violence Suppression Team. Both Thomas and Iloilo were at the residence in East Sacramento when arrested. Additional stolen property, including a firearm, was recovered as a result of the operation. Sheriff Lopey added, "This was a highly successful multi-agency investigation and search operation which resulted in the successful arrest of suspects who victimized their neighbors and several Siskiyou County citizens. This is a good time to remind all area residents to safeguard and secure your property, homes, and vehicles and be alert at all times because you never know when a thief or burglar will strike in your neighborhood. The assistance the Department received from crime victims was also very helpful. Investigators received some good descriptions of stolen property, which helped facilitate the identification of the suspects and the property stolen. It is recommended that area resident's record serial numbers of valuable property, take photos or video recordings of your property, and if possible, use devices such as permanent etchers with which to record identifying numbers on valuable property to help promote recovery of stolen property. Additional crime prevention information or assistance can be obtained from the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at 842-8300 or at our website." Iloilo is currently lodged in the Siskiyou County Jail. She is being held on $100,000 bail and is charged with 2 counts of burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, grand theft, grand theft of firearm, mail theft and identity theft. Mr. Thomas is also lodged in the Siskiyou County Jail with $100,000 bail. His charges are 2 counts of burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, grand theft, grand theft of firearm, mail theft and identity theft. |
| Mt Shasta Home Invasion Update 5/6/2011 |
| The reward for information in the Mt Shasta Home Invasion has been increased to $12,632. This has been made possible through Secret Witness and generous community members. Anyone with information regarding the home invasion robbery that occurred on the morning of April 7th on the 6000 block of North Old Stage Road. If you have any knowledge of this crime or saw anything suspicious in the area on the please contact Detective Bob Buker of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at 842-8318, or, call Sheriff's Dispatch at 841-2900. Sheriff Lopey stated "Currently the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office is continuing to follow-up on leads and tips that we have received. The investigation is continuing with a high priority. We have interviewed over 100 people and at this time we are spending time re-evaluating forensic evidence, photos and other information at our disposal. So far, we have made no arrests in this case but others have been arrested for unrelated criminal offenses incidental to our on-going investigation. I would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents to remain cautious, lock all doors and secure vehicles and report suspicious persons or activities immediately to law enforcement." |
| Indecent Exposure 4/25/2011 |
| On April 25, 2011, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a male adult exposing himself in an indecent manner. After obtaining statements from the involved parties' 50 year-old Happy Camp resident, Wilburn Gillilan, was arrested and booked into the Siskiyou County Jail for indecent exposure, a misdemeanor criminal offense. |
| Home Invasion Reward Donations/Reward Increases 4/15/2011 |
| Through private citizen donations and Secret Witness the reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects in the Mt Shasta home invasion has been increased to $10,650. If you have any information regarding the home invasion that took place the morning of Thursday April 7 on the 6000 block of Old Stage Road please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff Department. Contact Detective Frank Barrett at 842-8316 or Sheriff's Dispatch 841-2900. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department has had several inquires about making donations to the reward leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects in the Mt. Shasta home invasion. If a community member would like to donate please have them contact Public Information Officer Allison Giannini at 598-9633 or email her at: allison.giannini@siskiyousheriff.org |
| ***Home Invasion Update*** 4/15/2011 |
| The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes' Unit has received in excess of 100 calls in reference to the home invasion robbery that occurred on North Old Stage Road. These calls have ranged from actual tips about the crime, to investigative suggestions, to possible suspects, to citizens asking for the process for donating money to the reward. The Detective bureau is requesting that these tips continue, and greatly appreciates each call, no matter how minor. Due to additional pledges, the cash reward for information leading to the arrest/conviction of the suspects is $10,650.00. The Major Crimes' Unit feels it is likely that the reward will prove to be a productive tool for the resolution of this case. We know that these criminals have to worry about their friends and acquaintances turning them in for the reward, and feel it is extremely likely that one of them will. We have received calls from citizens attempting to provide information to collect the reward. The Major Crimes Unit also feels through details of the case that one suspect has a smaller amount of culpability in this case. The detective bureau feels it is likely this second less-culpable suspect has already determined the serious nature of this crime and will assist detectives with the case. Detectives know the second suspect realizes the longer he waits the more serious the repercussions for him. The Major Crimes Unit also knows people in the area of the incident have information that they have not yet disseminated to detectives. We realize the difficulty for these people to report to us and wish to impress on them the importance of their information. Those with information about this case are urged to contact Detective Frank Barrett, at 842-8316, or Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at 841-2900. |
| Assault with a Deadly Weapon 4/14/2011 |
| On 4/13/2011 at approximately 1:30am Siskiyou County Sheriffs deputies responded to a report of a man that had been stabbed by his girlfriend in Montague. When responding deputies entered the home they found it to be in disarray. A glass pipe with drug residue was also located. Upon contacting Ms. Emerick deputies found her to be in possession of narcotic tablets. Through speaking with the victim it was determined that the couple had been arguing about cleaning the home, the suspect, Mylissa Renee Emerick 34 of Montague, became angry and began to destroy household items with a knife. She then hit the victim in the head and cut him in the face with the knife. Mylissa Emerick was booked into the Siskiyou County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a narcotic substance, possession of narcotic substance paraphernalia. Her bail is currently set at $25,000. |
| ***Home Invasion Robbery Update*** 4/13/2011 |
| Through private citizen donations and Secret Witness the reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects in the Mt Shasta home invasion has been increased to $10,000. If you have any information regarding the home invasion that took place the morning of Thursday April 7 on the 6000 block of Old Stage Road please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department. Contact Detective Frank Barrett at 842-8316 or Sheriff's Dispatch 841-2900. |
| ***Home Invasion Robbery Update*** 4/12/2011 |
| On April 7, 2011, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., two unknown male suspects committed a burglary, theft and sex-related offense against a local resident at a home located in the 6000 block of North Old Stage Road. The suspects entered the home, assaulted the victim, stole personal items, and then fled the area on foot. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office is asking citizens that may have information regarding this crime to come forward. Currently there is a $7,500 reward being offered through Secret Witness and private citizens for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. The Sheriff's Office has compiled the following descriptions of the suspects and a possible associated vehicle: Suspect number one is described as a white male adult, early to mid twenties. He is 6'0-6'3" tall with a thin build. He has brown or hazel eyes with long eyelashes. He has possibly stained or crooked teeth. He was last seen wearing all black clothing, black ski-type mask and gloves. Suspect number two is described as a white male adult in his late teens to early twenties. He was 5'4"-5'9" tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing all black clothing, black ski-type mask and gloves. The vehicle that the suspects are possibly associated with is a late 1990's to early 2000's full-size Ford pickup, either solid brown or possibly two tone dark brown and tan in color. Sheriff Lopey stated, "I would urge any citizen that might have information regarding this crime to come forward. Detectives are working on some very promising leads but could use additional support from the public so we can solve this violent and senseless crime as soon as possible." If you or someone you know observed suspicious persons or vehicles in vicinity of the 6000 block of North Old Stage Road on the morning of April 7th, or know anything about this crime, please contact Detective Frank Barrett of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at 842-8316, or, call Sheriff's Dispatch at 841-2900. |
| ***Home Invasion Robbery Update*** 4/11/2011 |
| A Secret Witness reward in the amount of $6,000.00 has been offered for the arrest and conviction of the suspects involved in the Mount Shasta Area home invasion robbery reported last week. On April 7, 2011, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., two unknown male suspects committed a burglary, theft and assault against a local resident at a home located in the 6000 block of North Old Stage Road. The suspects entered the home, assaulted the lone occupant, stole personal items, and then fled the area on foot. According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, "The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) continues to aggressively pursue every possible lead in this case after an exhaustive investigative effort last week by several state and local law enforcement agencies. Every available SCSO detective, patrol deputy, and assisting agents and officers from the Siskiyou County Probation Department, California State Parole Office, Siskiyou County Wide Interagency Narcotic Task Force, Siskiyou County District Attorney's Office, and several other law enforcement agencies assisted with the initial investigation. Sheriff's detectives have been working around the clock and throughout the weekend following-up on leads developed in this case. The criminals involved in this home invasion robbery committed a series of senseless and malicious offenses which were perpetrated against an innocent member of this community. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office will relentlessly pursue investigative leads related to this case until the suspects are held to answer for their crimes. As a precaution, all local residents are advised to be observant of suspicious persons loitering in vicinity of their property or homes, keep residential doors and outbuilding doors locked at all times and secure all vehicles on your property. Report unusual or suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement agency via 9-1-1." The suspects were described as young, white male adults. One suspect was tall and the other shorter in stature and both were wearing dark clothing at the time of the crime. If you or someone you know observed suspicious persons or vehicles in vicinity of the 6000 block of North Old Stage Road on the morning of April 7th, or know anything about this crime, please contact Detective Frank Barrett of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at 842-8316, or, call Sheriff's Dispatch at 841-2900. |
| Home Invasion 4/8/2011 |
| On April 7, 2011, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., two unknown male suspects committed a burglary, theft and assault against a local resident of a home located in the 6000 block of North Old Stage Road. The suspects entered the home, assaulted the lone occupant, stole personal items, and then fled the area on foot. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) responded to the scene, conducted an exhaustive crime scene investigation and is currently following up investigative leads with several other law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Jon Lopey said, "This vicious and senseless home invasion robbery and assault against a local resident has resulted in a major crime investigation effort. Every available SCSO detective, patrol deputy, and assisting agents and officers from the Siskiyou County Probation Department, California State Parole Office, Siskiyou County Wide Interagency Narcotic Task Force, Siskiyou County District Attorney's Office, and several other state and local law enforcement agencies are assisting with this investigation and have been working around the clock. All available investigators will aggressively and thoroughly pursue every investigative lead developed to solve this violent crime as soon as possible and I anticipate detectives and other departmental personnel to work through the weekend in an effort to bring this case to a successful conclusion. As a precaution, all local residents are advised to be observant of suspicious persons loitering in vicinity of their property or homes, keep residential doors and outbuilding doors locked and secure all vehicles, at least until the perpetrators of this home invasion robbery are identified and arrested." The suspects were described as young, white male adults. One suspect was tall and the other shorter in stature. If you or someone you know observed suspicious persons or vehicles in vicinity of the 4000 block of North Old Stage Road on the morning of April 7th. please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at 841-2900. Detective Sergeant Mark Hilsenberg and Supervising Detective Nate Mendez are heading up the investigative effort. |
| Sexual Assault 4/8/2011 |
| On April 8, 2011, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a reported sexual assault. An investigation into the report led to the arrest of 19 year-old Gregg Sayers, of Mt. Shasta on April 9, 2011. Sayers was booked on charges of Rape when resistance is prevented by any intoxicating or anesthetic substance. Sayers is being held in the Siskiyou County Jail on $100,000.00 bail. The incident is currently under investigation by Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office detectives. |
| Elder Abuse 4/6/2011 |
| On 4/5/2011 at approximately 7:00pm Siskiyou County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a call of possible elder abuse in Seiad Valley. Upon arrival deputies spoke with the 82 year old victim that stated her son James Francis Prince, 47, of Seiad Valley had been drinking, became angry and began trashing the house. Mr. Prince then pushed her down twice and dumped a bottle of water on her. The victim stated that Mr. Prince lives in the home with her. The responding deputy observed the victim had injuries to her arm and head. Upon further investigation he found Mr. Prince intoxicated and the home had been ransacked. Mr. Prince was arrested for felony elder abuse and booked into the Siskiyou County Jail with bail set at $25,000. |
| Child Endangerment 4/4/2011 |
| On 4/2/2011 at approximately 1:45 pm the Siskiyou County Sheriff Deputies were requested to conduct a welfare check on a 9 year old boy that was living in McCloud. In the request deputies were told that no one knew where the boy's parents were. The responding deputy and a US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer had to walk 200 feet through snow that was approximately 8-10 feet deep to access the 12-14 foot travel trailer in which the family was residing; it was not accessible by vehicle. Upon arrival the deputy found the child at home with an 18 year old male, Michael Andrew Ness of Mt Shasta. Mr. Ness stated that the child was residing there with the boy's mother, Tacy Jean French, 26 of Weed, and her boyfriend Luke Robert Schoffstall, 22 or McCloud. Mr. Ness stated that he had been watching the child for approximately 5 days while Ms. French and Mr. Schoffstall went to town. Mr. Ness invited the deputy into the trailer where he observed 10 marijuana plants growing in the center of the trailer, 7 jars of processed marijuana and smoking devices laying around. All of the marijuana and smoking devices were accessible to the 9 year old child. The trailer itself had a 2X4 holding up part of the roof that had caved in due to the heavy snow load. The trailer was littered with dirty dishes, opened food cans and did not appear to have any running water or a functioning toilet. Due to the conditions of the trailer and the accessibility of the narcotics to the child the deputy arrested Mr. Ness for child endangerment. As Mr. Ness was being arrested Ms. French and Mr. Schoffstall returned to the trailer. Both Ms. French and Mr. Schoffstall stated that they lived there and that neither of them felt there was anything wrong with the child's living conditions or the easy accessibility to marijuana. Both Ms. French and Mr. Schoffstall were placed under arrested for willful child endangerment. Ms. French, Mr. Schoffstall and Mr. Ness are all currently lodged in the Siskiyou County Jail and are charged with willful child endangerment, each has bail set at $25,000. The child has been taken into protective custody. Sheriff Lopey stated "This is a sad story of child neglect, which was aggravated by drugs, leading to an unsafe environment this innocent child had to endure for several days. The deputies and US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer involved in this case did a great job in not only investigating and making arrests but also removing an innocent child from a hazardous and unhealthy environment." |
| **Cold Case Homicides Update** 3/30/2011 |
| The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office is making progress on two suspected cold case homicides involving presumed victims Hannah Zaccaglini and the Kimberlie Kantonen. Sheriff Jon Lopey stated, "The investigative leads and progress in these cases could not have been made without the assistance of the media and the public we serve. I would like to thank KSYC Radio, Siskiyou Daily News, Mount Shasta Herald, Record Searchlight other newspaper affiliates, and those citizens who have come forward with information concerning these cases." Kimberlie Kantonen was last seen in the Hornbrook area on March 8, 1989, around 9 p.m. She was reported missing 3 days later. Kimberlie's description at the time was 5'05, 104 lbs. with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a tan corduroy jacket, blue sweat suit and white tennis shoes. Kimberlie was also four months pregnant at the time of her disappearance. Hannah Zaccaglini was last seen leaving a friend's house in the town of McCloud. She was walking to her home located one block away, but never arrived. At the time, Hannah was 5'05, 120 lbs. and was last seen wearing a green and white checked shirt with daisy buttons, blue jeans, and black canvas Vans deck shoes. Sheriff Lopey further stated, "Our Detective Unit is vigorously investigating both of these cases and pursuing leads as new information and investigative leads are brought to our attention. Again, we need the public's help and urge anyone with any additional information about these two young women or the circumstances surrounding their disappearances to contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. We will not give up until these cases are solved." If you have information regarding Kimberlie Kantonen please contact Detective Frank Barrett at 842-8316. If you have information regarding Hannah Zaccaglini please contact Detective Jeff Moser 842-8764. |
| Cold Case Investigation 2/17/2011 |
| Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department announced today that they have submitted the Karen Mero case to the District Attorney's office for review of criminal charges stemming from her disappearance that occurred in 1997 in the McCloud area. In conjunction with the Mero case Sherriff Lopey also announced that his investigation division is also actively investigating the Hannah Zaccaglini case that focuses on the disappearance of the 15 year old girl who also disappeared from the McCloud area during the same time period. Sheriff Lopey stated that the Department will be bringing in federal and state assistance that will include forensic specialists and technology that was not available at the time of the girl's disappearance. Sheriff Lopey has made it a priority to solve these cases as well as the other "cold cases" that are in the Sheriff Department. The Sheriff is also placing additional resources into the investigations that will be helping the assigned Detectives to include Secret Witness program and using innovative techniques to help assist in the investigations of these cases. "We are going to relentlessly pursue the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of these young women" Sheriff Lopey was quoted as saying. "Often times, young women and children are the most vulnerable in our society and too often fall victim to criminals. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office will never forget these victims or their families. We will not stop investigating these cases until they are solved. Our department personnel are actively working with other law enforcement agencies and the district attorney, Kirk Andrus, to vigorously pursue every investigative lead and legal tool at our disposal to ensure justice is realized for these crime victims and their families who have waited far too long for closure and a just outcome." Both the Zaccaglini and Mero case are believed to be suspicious in nature and the girls are believed to have been the victims of possible criminal actions. Anyone with any information on the listed cases is strongly urged to please contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department Detective Jeff Moser at 841-2900. |
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