Operations personnel with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office are recognized for their work on a series of burglary cases in the Oregon House area that resulted in the recovery of stolen property. Photo courtesy of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) – During his shift, Correctional Officer Matta observed inmates acting suspiciously in the back of their assigned cell and requested assistance from Officer Galvez. During a search of the cell, Officer Matta located a rolled-up playing card containing a small piece of white paper that held an unknown white substance which later produced a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

The cell was thoroughly searched for any additional contraband, and both inmates were escorted to booking, patted down, scanned and placed under observation. Medical staff assessed both inmates and determined they did not require medical treatment.

Due to Officer Matta’s awareness and quick response, he was able to stop the inmates from using the drugs that were found. Officer Matta and Officer Galvez demonstrated excellent teamwork and professionalism in detecting and safely removing dangerous contraband from the housing unit.

In the operations division, Deputies Jarod Kump, Tyler Eck and Nathan Thomas responded to three separate burglary incidents in the Oregon House area, each initially lacking suspect information. Deputy Kump spoke with a victim who had their very distinctive vehicle stolen and immediately recalled seeing the same vehicle at an address in Dobbins.

Acting on this observation, Deputy Kump went to that property and located the stolen vehicle on a 100-acre parcel containing numerous scattered items believed to be additional stolen property. Deputy Kump contacted Detective Brandon Martin who promptly obtained a search warrant for the location. Deputies Eck and Thomas responded to assist in executing the warrant and identifying potential stolen property.

Through their coordinated efforts, the team successfully recovered nearly all of the stolen property connected to the three burglary cases. Victims were contacted and their property was returned. This case exemplifies outstanding teamwork, proactive fieldwork and effective investigative coordination.