On 07/06/15 at about 12:15 PM, deputies responded to the Bank of America off Missouri Flat Road regarding suspicious activity. It was reported that two African American Adults, one male and the other female, were possibly “shoulder surfing” bank customers at the ATM. Shoulder surfing is where criminals attempt to see a potential victim’s PIN number while they are using the teller machines.

In the parking lot, deputies contacted the subjects. One gave an address of San Francisco and the other Vallejo. Both subjects matched the description of a Fraud Alert Bulletin that was distributed by the Bank. There had been similar reports of the same individuals shoulder surfing in Rocklin and Grass Valley. After reviewing the local ATM video, deputies were unable to confirm if a crime had occurred here and released them. Their identifying information however will be shared with other law enforcement agencies to aid with on-going investigations.

Anyone using an ATM is advised to use caution. Do not use an ATM or enter your personal identification number if someone is loitering nearby. If you see anyone acting strangely or lingering around an ATM, please contact your local law enforcement.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

On 07/05/15 at about 10:40 AM, deputies went to a residence in the 5300 block of Union Mine Road in El Dorado to do a probation search. Outside of the home, 47 year-old Holly Moore of Fair Oaks and 32 year-old Benjamin Patterson were contacted. Patterson was found to be in possession of heroin and a hypodermic needle and syringe. Three other adults were temporarily detained.

Inside the house deputies contacted 26 year-old Matthew Davis, 22 year-old Courtney Boyer, 23 year-old Toby Piearcy, and two children ages 1 and 4. Piearcy was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant for his arrest. One other male adult was also detained. Searching the house, a 17 year-old female juvenile was found hiding in a back room.

In the living room, deputies located an unzipped bag with a hypodermic needle sticking out. More hypodermic needles and syringes were found in the bag; some had been used and still contained a brown tar like residue that appeared to be heroin. Due to the condition of the house and the many dangerous objects that were accessible to the children inside the home, CPS was called-in to assist.

Deputies arrested Courtney Boyer for child endangerment. She is still in custody on a no bail hold. Child endangerment charges were added to Toby Piearcy’s warrant arrest and he is in custody on $42,000.00 bail. Matthew Davis was arrested for disobeying a peace officer and was later released on $13,000.00 bond. Holly Moore and Benjamin Patterson were both arrested on outstanding warrants and Benjamin Patterson received extra charges for possession of narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia. Patterson was released from jail on a $15,500.00 bond. The 17 year-old female was turned over to an adult.

Anyone knowing or suspect a child or children are living in a dangerous or an illegal drug environment is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement. You may be saving a child’s life.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

Booking photo of Courtney Boyer

Booking photo of Toby Piearcy

Booking photo of Matthew Davis

Booking photo of Holly Moore

Booking photo of Benjamin Patterson

On 07/8/15 at about 11:50 AM, deputies received a call of an injured subject in Rubicon Springs on the Rubicon Trail in a very remote part of El Dorado County. The injury was significant and the adult male patient needed immediate medevac.

Due to low clouds, thunderstorms, lightning, wind, and heavy downpours in the area, no helicopter could respond. The patient was stabilized as best as possible and the decision was made to drive him out. A Sheriff’s Office OHV Unit was on-duty and responded to Buck Island Lake to pick up the patient. The deputies loaded the patient into the EDSO Rubicon Jeep and started the long journey towards a main road where they could meet a waiting ambulance.

While transporting the patient, there was only room for one deputy and the injured male. The second deputy had to walk. The trail was extra dangerous due to the heavy rain and limited visibility. The Rubicon Trail is very rough, full of rocks large and small, with many challenging obstacles, narrow passageways, and near vertical terrain. It is accessible mostly by specialized and 4 wheel-drive vehicles that are heavily modified. It is not uncommon for vehicles to break down, to sustain damage (sometimes major), or become completely disabled. Driving the Rubicon Trail successfully takes training, practice, and expertise.

In just under 5 hours, the patient was extricated to a waiting medic unit at Wentworth Springs. Both deputies and the patient were exhausted after the trip but very happy they made it. As of today, the patient is reportedly in good condition.

Lt. Tom Murdoch