Jewelry theft suspect arrested in Valley Springs

VALLEY SPRINGS -- Deputies arrested a 18-year-old Valley Springs man last week after identifying him as the suspect in a jewelry store burglary.

According to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Department, a man entered Firefall Jewelers in Valley Springs on Jan. 2 after-hours and stole several items of jewelry.

Arriving deputies found a shattered glass front door, a shattered glass jewelry case, and empty boxes and jewelry on the floor near the door.

Surveillance footage shows a male intruder smashing the door, rushing in and making off with several pieces of jewelry. He fell as he ran from the store, dropping some of the jewelry.

Wednesday, detectives with a search warrant went to the Grouse Drive home of a 16-year-old girl they said they believe was an accomplice. They found a piece of the stolen jewelry in the girl's bedroom. She was cited for possession of stolen property.

Investigators determined that the suspect was Preston Johnathan Hackett. Later Wednesday, Hackett went to the sheriff's office, where he was questioned and then arrested on burglary charges.

Investigators said the jewelry stolen was worth $1,975. Damage to the store was estimated at $3,500.