Valley Springs, CA… On 06/13/18 at about 1420 hours Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a burglary in progress at a residence for sale in the 8000 block of Baldwin Street, Valley Springs. The Realtor called to report that some unknown subjects were in the residence. Upon arrival deputies contacted two male and two female subjects on the property. After a safety sweep of the residence, deputies noticed that it appeared the subjects were living in the residence which had signs of forced entry to the side garage door. Deputies located a running backhoe in the driveway of the property. In the bucket of the backhoe there were several items that belonged to the property.

It was discovered that the backhoe in the driveway was stolen from Valley Springs Elementary school on Monday 6/11/18. Deputies were able to return the backhoe to the school district. Three subjects were arrested at the house on Baldwin Street and booked into the Calaveras County Jail.

James Whitehead (age 48 of Valley Springs) was booked for burglary in the first degree, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.

Cory Cassel (age 39 of Valley Springs) was booked for two outstanding warrants, burglary in the first degree, conspiracy, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Leah Robitaille (age 34 of Valley Springs) was booked for burglary in the first degree and conspiracy.

A fourth female subject was contacted and released at the scene.

If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office detectives at 209-754-6500.