The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Thursday announced that it has increased the reward for solving Yreka's February gold heist from the Siskiyou County Courthouse lobby.
Sheriff John Lopey said the county will pay a cash reward of up to $50,000 to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for stealing gold from the courthouse gold display valued at about $1.25 million. The previous reward amount was $15,000.
Sheriff Jon Lopey appeared before the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors on November 6, 2012 to make the proposal to increase the reward. During the session, Sheriff Lopey emphasized the fact that he discussed the reward increase with his co-workers and detectives working on the case, District Attorney Kirk Andrus, and County Administrator Tom Odom and all supported the proposal.
“We’ve conducted follow-up on over 100 leads involving the gold theft but we feel it is time to increase the reward in an effort to generate additional leads from the public. We appreciate the Board’s unanimous support and the assistance from other county leaders in securing this additional resource which should assist us in resolving this case. We are convinced that this case will be solved, especially, considering the evidence we have retrieved, such as DNA collected at the crime scene," Lopey said.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is also in contact with authorities in Mariposa County to ensure that the suspects recently arrested for the gold theft there at the state museum are not connected to our case. The Department is working with the Siskiyou County District Attorney, Kirk Andrus, to file arrest warrants on the DNA strands collected during the investigation. As soon as one or both suspects are matched in the DNA data bank system (CODIS) they will be arrested once they have been identified,” Sheriff Lopey explained.
Citizens with information about the gold theft are urged to contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office 24-hour dispatch at (530) 841-2900.
Sheriff Lopey added, “The gold display showcased the rich traditions and economic contributions that mining has always had on Siskiyou County and its citizens. Like timber, farming, ranching and recreation, mining has played a major role in our way of life and the economic vitality of many area communities. During 2012, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office personnel proudly wear a commemorative badge which honors the 160 year anniversary of Siskiyou County. This 160 year anniversary coincides with the original Gold Rush period in California and the birth of our county.”
