2 Arrested With Amazon Packages Stolen From Guerneville: Sheriff

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Two men were arrested over the Christmas holiday weekend on suspicion of mail theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy after Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies found Amazon packages in their vehicle that did not belong to them, a sheriff's official said. The suspects, 28-year-old Nathan Hines of Cazadero and 25-year-old Jacob Sanderson of Laytonville, were stopped at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 in the 14800 block of Cherry Street in Guerneville, sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Crum said in a news release.

Deputies were in the area to investigate a report from an Old Cazadero Road homeowner who said he had witnessed a man go up to his neighbor's porch and take a package, Crum said. The homeowner told sheriff's dispatchers the suspect had driven away in a silver van with a broken driver’s side window.

Within three minutes of arriving on scene in Guerneville, deputies located a van matching that description. Inside were Hines and Sanderson, Crum said.

As deputies spoke with the duo, they "noticed several cardboard box Amazon packages in the van which didn’t belong to them," the sergeant said.

When questioned about the packages, Hines and Sanderson allegedly gave conflicting stories.

Deputies searched the van and found three Amazon packages belonging to residents in that area, along with 47 pieces of mail taken from residents on Cherry Street, Crum said.

Heroin and a broken syringe were also allegedly found in the van.

"Hines had methamphetamine and a methamphetamine smoking pipe on his person as well," Crum said.

In addition to the initial arrest charges, Sanderson was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of possession of heroin.

Hines, who had three misdemeanor contempt-of-court warrants for his arrest, was booked on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.

"The mail and packages were returned to the victims in hopes of a great holiday season," Crum said.

Jail booking information for the pair was not available Wednesday afternoon, meaning it is likely Hines and Sanderson have since been released from custody.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone