OROVILLE, CA (MPG) – On September 14, 2020, an evacuated Bear Fire survivor was checking his home surveillance cameras from an offsite location. While viewing the surveillance camera footage, the resident observed an individual trespassing on his property. The resident immediately contacted law enforcement.

Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies responded to the area of Dancing Wind Drive, Forbestown and contacted six individuals in two vehicles. The six individuals were identified as Cristian Ayala, age 32, of Lincoln, Burt Floyd, age 50, of Lincoln, Guadalupe Garcia, age 42, of Lincoln, Guadalupe Garcia Jr., age 22, of Lincoln, William Peterson, age 61, of Berry Creek, and Anthony Gannett, age 61, of Berry Creek. Detectives conducted an investigation and determined Peterson had been trespassing on at least one evacuated property. Detectives determined Garcia, Garcia Jr., Peterson, and Gannett were associated with two properties located within the Berry Creek evacuation zone. Detectives located evidence showing the aforementioned Berry Creek properties were being used for illegal marijuana cultivation.

During the investigation detectives located evidence the six aforementioned individuals conspired to willfully and knowingly enter an evacuation area, after they had received notice to evacuate and/or leave the area. Detectives also located evidence Garcia, Garcia Jr., Peterson, and Gannett willfully and knowingly entered an evacuation zone for the purpose of tending to their illegal marijuana grows. During the investigation detectives located evidence indicating Peterson was involved in the illegal sales of marijuana. Based on the evidence located, detectives determined Garcia, Garcia Jr. Peterson, and Gannett were also conspiring to illegally cultivate and sell marijuana.

On the evening of September 14, Garcia, Garcia Jr., Peterson, and Gannett were booked into the Butte County Jail for one count of unlawful entry into an evacuation zone and one count of conspiracy. Gannett was also booked for an arrest warrant and for possession of methamphetamine. Ayala and Floyd were both booked for a one count unlawfully entry into an evacuation zone. Bail for Garcia, Garcia Jr., Peterson, and Gannett was set at $250,000. Bail for Ayala and Floyd was set at $3,000. All six individuals are scheduled to be arraigned at the Butte County Superior Court on Thursday, September 17, at 3 PM. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information about this investigation to contact Detective Vaj Thao or Detective Brian Mollath at 530-538-7671.

While patrolling the evacuation zones on September 14, deputies also arrested the following individuals:

Christina Lafayette, age 33, of Forbestown
On September 14, 2020, deputies were patrolling the evacuated area of Forbestown. Deputies saw Lafayette walking inside the evacuation zone. Deputies contacted Lafayette and located ammunition and drug paraphernalia in her possession. Lafayette was arrested for unlawful entry into an evacuation zone, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

Robert Tramonte, age 42, of Forbestown
On September 14, 2020, deputies were patrolling the evacuated area of Forbestown. Deputies saw Tramonte riding a bicycle inside the evacuation zone. Deputies contacted Tramonte and determined he had a warrant for his arrest. Tramonte was arrested for unlawful entry into an evacuation zone and the aforementioned arrest warrant.