San Andreas, CA…The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to announce the reinstallation of the Special Enforcement Team (SET). SET is a unit within the Sheriff’s Office that was formed to heighten police presence, conduct extra enforcement, and utilize problem-oriented/community-oriented policing strategies. General patrol deputies are sometimes unable to conduct extra patrol or proactive enforcement due to consistent call volume during their shift. Having a team specifically able to follow up in high crime areas or in areas with trending crime patterns is very beneficial to the safety of Calaveras County. The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office works as a large team with members assigned to different functions. These teams, in cooperation with information, tips, comprehensive data collection, and general communication from the community lead to a safer Calaveras for all. Below are the results of special enforcement efforts.

On August 6th and 7th, 2020, SET conducted a Maximum Enforcement Operation in the Upper Highway 4 Corridor. This special enforcement operation was in response to increased thefts and burglaries in the Arnold Area.

On August 6th, SET contacted and arrested Matthew Williams, age 32 of Sonora, on several charges, including burglary, vandalism, and illegal drug charges. Additionally, Joshua Grimes, age 35 of Arnold, was arrested on several charges, including illegal drugs and illegal firearms charges. These arrests are covered in detail in a previous media release.

Also, on August 6th, deputies contacted Ryan Utterback, age 32 of Arnold, who was known to have a felony no-bail warrant out of Modesto for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Utterback was placed under arrest on his felony warrant and also received new charges of 1203.2(a) PC Violation of Probation (Felony), 11364(a) H&S Possession of Unlawful Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor), and 11377(a) H&S Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor).

Additionally, on August 6th, deputies contacted two juveniles in Murphys. Upon further investigation, the juveniles were found to have multiple containers of alcohol and nicotine vape pens. Both juveniles were cited for 25662 BP Minor in Possession of Alcohol and 308(b) PC Minor in Possession of Tobacco Products and released to their parents.

On August 7th, 2020, deputies contacted Michael Linebaugh, age 32 of Arnold, who was known to have a felony warrant out of Calaveras County for violation of probation. Linebaugh was placed under arrest on his felony warrant and also received a new charge of 1203.2(a) PC Violation of Probation (Felony) for being in possession of prohibited items pursuant to his probation terms.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding criminal activity to call the anonymous tip line at 209-754-6030.