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Contact: Josh Hoines, 530-242-3460
Whiskeytown, CA – A suspect arrested by US park rangers at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in 2017 has been sentenced to six years in state prison by the Shasta County Superior Court. Jesse James King, 42, of Brentwood, the defendant in the case, recently pled guilty to one felony count of theft of a vehicle and two prior strike convictions. This case was prosecuted by the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office.
“The court’s decision reinforces the park’s commitment to protecting our visiting public,” said Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Superintendent Josh Hoines. “I’m proud of the work our rangers do every day and I am grateful for our partners in the law enforcement community.”
On December 16, 2017, the Redding Police Department took a report from a victim who had had her wheelchair accessible van stolen from her private residence. The next day, while patrolling the park, Whiskeytown Law Enforcement Park Rangers contacted a male and female changing the tire of a van along Whiskey Creek Road. When the rangers learned that the van had been reported stolen, the rangers took the two suspects, including King, into custody. With assistance from the Bureau of Land Management and California Highway Patrol, the vehicle and surroundings were searched since the male suspect had informed rangers that there was a third individual nearby in possession of a handgun. A third suspect was not found, but drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun were found in the stolen vehicle. Ultimately, the individuals were arrested and brought to county jail by Whiskeytown rangers. On January 28, 2021, King was sentenced to six years in prison. King was already on Post Release Community Supervision prior to this new offense, and he will remain on parole for two additional years after he completes his time in custody.
If you witness suspicious or unlawful activity in the park, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area encourages you to call park dispatch at 530-242-2431. Visitors are also encouraged to recreate with a friend or family member rather than alone.
Last updated: February 22, 2021