Sierra County Authorities Seek Remaining Suspect in Two Burglaries in May
Above: File photo of Joshua Paulin
(Photos courtesy of Sierra County Sheriff’s Office)
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information on the whereabouts of the sole remaining suspect in connection with two burglaries in May, one at a local mine and another at the county Road Department.
In a press release, the Sheriff’s Office announced that they had received a report of a break-in at telegraph mine on the morning of May 26. Witnesses said that two male suspects were breaking into buildings and stealing tools, but donned masks and fled the scene when the mine owner activated the alarm.
Sierra and Yuba County deputies responded to the area, along with a California Highway Patrol helicopter.
During the ensuing search, deputies reportedly discovered a woman sitting in a nearby truck who allegedly provided a false name and false information about why she was there.
Deputies ultimately identified the woman as Samantha Kaksonen, 31, and arrested her on suspicion of aiding and abetting, criminal conspiracy, false impersonation, and other charges.
Despite a thorough search of the area, authorities were unable to locate the two male suspects.
Later that day, a resident of Goodyears Bar who had heard about the burglary reported that two individuals matching the description of the suspects had asked to use her phone. The individuals had left before deputies arrived at the location, authorities said.
The next morning, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of another break-in, this time at the Sierra County Road Department yard in Goodyears Bar. The suspects allegedly tampered with several vehicles and stole a minivan that was set to be donated to Downieville School.
Van stolen from Road Department
Investigators obtained video surveillance from the area that reportedly showed the same suspects from the mine burglary.
On May 28, Yuba County deputies reportedly located one of the suspects, identified as Dustin Million, and took him into custody in connection with the mine burglary and the vehicle theft.
Million reportedly also had an active burglary arrest warrant out of Nevada County at the time.
Investigators have identified the remaining suspect as Joshua Paulin, 46. Paulin reportedly remains at large and authorities believe he may be in the Dobbins area of Yuba County.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on the stolen van or Paulin’s whereabouts to contact them at 530-289-3700 or the California Highway Patrol.
