Butte County Authorities Arrest Three in Connection with Chico Boat Theft
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office has reportedly arrested three individuals in connection with the theft of a boat from a residence in Chico.
Deputies had responded to a report on July 3 of a stolen boat and other items taken from a residence outside Chico. Based on video surveillance, deputies determined at least two suspects were involved in the theft, the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Deputies identified one of the suspects as Mark Seldon, 47, of Chico. Detectives obtained a felony arrest warrant for Seldon, ultimately arresting him on August 7.
During the arrest, detectives reportedly located ammunition and evidence related to the boat theft. Seldon was booked into the Butte County jail on suspicion of the possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and taking a boat without the owner’s consent.
On August 12, the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office located the stolen boat in an orchard in the Vina area. The boat had been stripped of its engines and several other parts, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Around this time, detectives reportedly identified two additional suspects — James Procarione, 36, of Red Bluff, and Joseph Wright, 40, of Chico.
On the evening of August 15, detectives contacted Procarione at a home in Red Bluff. There they reportedly found a part from the stolen boat and evidence allegedly linking Procarione to the theft.
Procarione was arrested and booked into the Butte County jail on suspicion of felony grand theft and taking a boat without the owner’s consent.
Further investigation then led detectives to Wright’s residence on the 16000 block of Highway 99 inChico, where they carried out a search warrant on August 16. During the search, detectives contacted Wright and Michelle Mills, 35, of Chico.
Detectives reportedly found parts from the stolen boat, as well as methamphetamine and a shotgun.
Wright was arrested and booked on felony charges of taking a boat without the owner’s consent and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Mills was also arrested for the alleged possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
