Mokelumne Hill, CA…On July 27, 2022, at about 10:00PM, an observant citizen reported seeing what they believed to be flashlights inside a residence that should have been unoccupied. Deputies responded to the 11000 block of Highway 26 near Mokelumne Hill to initiate an investigation. Upon arrival, the deputies learned the suspects left the residence soon after the initial report from the citizen. The deputies conducted a thorough investigation and collected evidence from the scene. It was estimated the suspects stole approximately $12,500.00 in items from the residence.

On July 28 at about 9:30 PM, deputies located a suspicious vehicle parked in the 1300 block of Country View Ln. in Valley Springs. During their investigation of the vehicle, they contacted Chelsea Bonner, age 31, of Valley Springs, and Jonathan Sullivan age 38, of San Andreas. During the contact, the deputies discovered the vehicle displayed a fraudulent license plate. Deputies also located a washer and dryer that were taken from the initial burglary listed above, methamphetamine, methamphetamine smoking devices, and an “air soft BB pistol” altered to look like a real firearm. Air Soft is an air gun designed to deploy metallic plastic or other spherical projectiles called BBs using compressed air or springs. Suspect Sullivan and Bonner were arrested and transported to the Calaveras County Jail for booking.

Jonathan Eugene Sullivan was charged with 496PC possession of stolen property (felony), 4463 CVC forged or altered vehicle registration (felony), 3455 PC revocation of command supervision (felony), 11377H&S possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor), and 11364 H&S possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor). He is being held without bail due to the revocation of supervision.
Chelsea Charlene Bonner Sullivan was charged with 496PC possession of stolen property (felony), 11377H&S possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor), and 11364 H&S possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor). Her bail was set at $45,000.00.

Deputies continued to investigate the burglary by conducting follow-up investigations in speaking with witnesses. On August 1, 2022, at about 9:00 PM, deputies again responded to the 11000 block of Hwy 26 Mokelumne Hill for a report of a vehicle parked suspiciously. Based upon the description given to the deputies, they were familiar with the vehicle from prior contacts. They believed the owner to be, Timothy Lee Potts, age 38, from Valley Springs, who was on probation. Deputies contacted the Calaveras County Probation Department to brief them on the investigation. The probation department confirmed that suspect Potts was on active probation and had an ankle monitoring device. A location history search revealed suspect Potts was at the initial burglary location on July 27, 2022 and returned on August 1, 2022. Additionally, the ankle monitor gave his exact location in the 3000 block of S. Petersburg Rd., Valley Springs.

Yes, the suspects returned to the scene of the crime.
Deputies went to the 3000 block of S. Petersburg Rd. and contacted suspect Potts and suspect Rachel Down Patterson, age 33, of Colfax. During the contact with suspect Patterson and suspect Potts, the deputies developed probable cause to arrest both for their involvement in the burglary. Both were arrested and transported to the Calaveras County Jail.

Suspect Timothy Lee Potts was charged with 1203.2 PC probation violation (felony), 182 PC conspiracy to commit a crime (felony), and 602 PC trespassing (misdemeanor). Due to the probation violation, he is being held without bail.

Suspect Rachel Down Patterson was charged with182 PC conspiracy to commit a crime (felony) and 602 PC trespassing (misdemeanor).

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the observant citizens who reported the suspicious circumstance and later the suspicious vehicle. Their information and cooperation aided the investigation and led to the arrest of the four suspects. This is an excellent reminder to report all suspicious activity as soon as possible. We would also like to thank the cooperation and collaboration from the Calaveras County Probation Department.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, there is no further information.