Amador County – A tip from a relative led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Sutter Creek man in relation to several burglaries on Sutter Circle.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Department said Jacob Raymond Whitney, 21, of Sutter Creek was arrested Aug. 21 and booked into the Amador County Jail. “He was charged with first degree burglary, possession of stolen property, commission of a felony while pending another felony, theft of mail and possession of a hypodermic needle.”

Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner released details of the investigation this week, saying “on Aug. 20, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a residential burglary in the 10000 block of Sutter Circle, in the unincorporated area of Sutter Creek.”

A Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the location and “contacted the victim who reported that an unknown suspect had entered his residence without permission and stole a digital camera, camera lens and coins valued at approximately $850. The deputy conducted an initial investigation, which included a neighborhood canvas.”

On Aug. 21, a “resident of Sutter Circle” who “was interviewed during the neighborhood canvas” contacted the Sheriff’s Department. He said “he suspected a relative of committing the burglary of his neighbor’s home and that he also suspected the relative of burglarizing another residence in the neighborhood.”

Wegner said “upon arrival of Sheriff’s Deputies, the resident reported that subsequent to being contacted by the deputy the day prior, he observed his relative attempt to dispose of a wrist watch and miscellaneous mail addressed to a vacationing neighbor. The resident identified the relative as Jacob Raymond Whitney, 21, of Sutter Creek.”

Wegner said: “Sheriff’s Deputies positively identified the watch and mail as being stolen from another residence in the 10000 block of Sutter Circle. The victim of that burglary also reported the suspect stole approximately $1,770 in coins; and keys to a vehicle.”

Whitney was interviewed by deputies, Wegner said. “Whitney admitted to possessing the stolen property but stated he merely found the property and denied being involved in the burglaries.”

He said a “search of Whitney’s room was conducted pursuant to the terms and conditions of his probation in San Diego County and terms and conditions of a conditional release in Amador County. The search revealed a hypodermic needle, drug use paraphernalia and a letter documenting his drug use and thefts. The camera, lens, keys and stolen coins have not yet been recovered.”

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