- Lake County News reports
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Ceres couple arrested for thefts, weapons; authorities seeking to identify theft victims
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities arrested a Ceres couple last week who were found living in a stolen travel trailer in the hills above Lucerne with drugs, weapons and stolen tools.
John Wesley Buckhanan, 37, and Rochelle Ellene Slaybaugh, 32, were arrested on Wednesday, March 17, according to Lt. C orey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Paulich said that at 8 a.m. March 17, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were contacted by the Ukiah Police Department, which had received information regarding a burglary that had occurred in the city of Ukiah.
The victim reported locating one of the stolen items in an unpopulated area on Fulton Road in Lucerne, Paulich said.
The deputies went to the location on Fulton Road where Paulich said they located a Keystone travel trailer that was not hooked to any utilities.
The deputies made contact with the trailer’s two occupants, identified as Buckhanan and Slaybaugh. Paulich said a records check showed Buckhanan had a felony arrest warrant out of Stanislaus County related to stolen property and was placed under arrest for the warrant. Further investigation also revealed that that travel trailer was reported stolen out of Stanislaus County.
Paulich said the deputies conducted a search of the trailer and surrounding area, locating numerous tools that were reported stolen by the victim in Ukiah.
The theft victim was able to come to the Fulton Road location, identify the items that were stolen and recover them, Paulich said.
Deputies also located a short-barreled shotgun, a handgun and ammunition for various guns, miscellaneous rifle parts, burglary tools, and small amounts for heroin and methamphetamine, according to Paulich’s report.
Paulich said Buckhanan was transported and booked at the Lake County Jail on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, and possession of controlled substances.
Buckhanan remains in custody related to his warrant and being a felon in possession of a firearm, with bail set at $170,000, according to jail records.
Paulich said Slaybaugh was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail where she was booked on the charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
The sheriff’s office is also requesting the district attorney seek additional charges against Slaybaugh for possession of stolen property, possession of a short barreled shotgun, and possession of controlled substances, Paulich said.
Due to $0 bail rules, Paulich said Slaybaugh was not able to be held in jail on these charges.
Sheriff’s detectives will be attempting to identify victims for additional items that were located and believed stolen, Paulich said.
Paulich told Lake County News that the sheriff’s office sent the location to Community Development for possible abatement.
He said the sheriff’s office had no previous contact with Buckhanan and only one prior minimal contact with Slaybaugh.
The sheriff’s office reminded the public to take a moment when purchasing items to document serial numbers. This can be easily done by taking a photo or video with a cell phone. This will assist law enforcement with identifying and returning property if it is stolen.