SHeriff dept press release re: Valley Springs Firefall Jewelry Burglars Arrested

(Valley Springs, CA) On January 2, 2013 Calaveras Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Firefall Jewelers in Valley Springs for an activated alarm. Upon arrival the deputies discovered a shattered glass front door, a shattered glass jewelry case, and empty boxes and jewelry lying on the floor near the door. It appeared that the burglars had fled the scene just prior to the deputy’s arrival.

During the ensuing investigation sheriff’s detectives were able to obtain security camera footage from Firefall Jewelers as well as from surrounding businesses. The security footage revealed that a single male suspect smashed the front door, rushed into the store, went to a particular display case, and made away with several pieces of jewelry. He was in the store for less than 10 seconds, and as he ran from the store he fell, dropping some of the jewelry.


On January 30, based on information learned during the investigation, detectives served a search warrant at a residence on Grouse Drive in Valley Springs, the home of an alleged 16-year-old female suspect. Detectives interviewed the female and obtained additional information as to the possible identity of the burglar. During service of the search warrant investigators were able to recover a piece of the stolen jewelry inside the female’s bedroom. She was issued a criminal citation for possession of stolen property (felony).

In the course of ongoing interviews the detectives were able to learn the identity of the burglar, identified as 18-year-old Preston Johnathan Hackett of Valley Springs. On January 30, Suspect Hackett came to the sheriff’s office where he was contacted and arrested by detectives. During the subsequent interview Hackett admitted involvement in the burglary. He was booked into the Calaveras County jail on the charges of burglary (felony).

In all, a total of $1,975.00 worth of jewelry was stolen. The damage to the store was estimated to be approx. $3,500.00.