Mountain Ranch, CA…On July 26th, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center 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.

Patrol Deputies immediately responded to the scene and contacted two individuals, later identified as Jeffrey Charles Darwin (48 years old) and Clint William Thompson (49 years old). 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. 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.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the estimated total cost to repair the damages was over $2,000. The value of the stolen and recovered items, including the memorabilia, was estimated to be approximately $3,000.

Both suspects in this case were taken into custody without incident and ultimately charged with multiple offenses, including PC 460(a) – 1st Degree Burglary (Felony) / PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy (Felony) / PC 594(a)(1) – Vandalism (Felony) / PC 466 – Possession of Burglary Tools (Misdemeanor). Mr. Darwin and Mr. Thompson were transported and booked into the Calaveras County Detention Center.