Four Arrested on Grand Theft, Conspiracy and Drug Charges
On November 30th, the Sonora Police Department arrested 35-year-old Crystal Cervantes of Merced, 38-year-old Charles Chavira Jr. of Merced, 52-year-old Dawn Dubois of Merced, and 51-year-old Robert Hayani of Merced for grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft. Crystal Cervantes was arrested and booked on drug and weapon charges as well.
At around 7:15 p.m. on Monday evening, the Sonora Police Department received a call about a theft from Walmart that just occurred. The store manager was able to provide a detailed description of the vehicle as it was fleeing the scene.
The suspect vehicle hit the highway and left town traveling westbound, only to be intercepted by an alert Deputy Sheriff who had been listening to the scanner. The Deputy stopped the vehicle and detained the four occupants as it passed through Jamestown.
Our officers responded to the Jamestown location to assume the investigation. It was determined that Dubois and Hayani waited in the getaway van while Cervantes and Chavira collected items inside the store and then pushed the cart out through an emergency exit. The items ranged from camping gear to pet items, to costumes and toys. The value of the stolen items was placed at over a thousand dollars. In addition to the theft-related charges, Cervantes was found in possession of brass knuckles and methamphetamine. Although one bag of methamphetamine was discovered upon arrest, Cervantes had an additional bag of methamphetamine which was concealed in her undergarments and later discovered during the booking process.
All suspects were booked into the Tuolumne County Jail for their charges.
