“The investigation was followed up and turned over to the DA’s office, which declined to file charges,” said sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee. “That sometimes happens for a variety of reasons … the case is now closed.”
The break-in occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 7 and was discovered by General Manager Virgil Koehne. Office equipment, computers and an aerial photograph of the town were taken during the burglary. Muddy footprints and other evidence led detectives to a residence directly behind the town offices, where the majority of the items were found inside the house.
Ryan Shannon was arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary, booked at the County Jail in Martinez and released.
Koehne said he was surprised by the DA’s decision. “I’m very shocked to hear that. It seems odd to me that he (suspected burglar) was in possession of the items and that the mud tracks led right to their house. I guess the DA’s office has more information than it’s sharing with us. I am very surprised.”
Koehne added that while most of the stolen items were recovered, approximately $4,000 worth of materials are still missing.
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