OROVILLE, CA (MPG) – On September 18, 2020, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies contacted a victim who resides in the Cherokee area, Oroville. The victim’s residence was located within a Bear Fire evacuation order zone. Upon returning to his residence after the Evacuation Order was lifted, the victim determined two items had been stolen from his property. The victim captured photographs of a suspect on his game camera.

Deputies and detectives conducted follow-up and identified the suspect as Robert Strawn, age 36, of Oroville. On September 22, detectives served a search warrant at a residence on Crystal Pines Road, Oroville. During the service of the search warrant detectives located evidence indicating Strawn was associated with four additional parcels on Crystal Pines Road. While investigating the case, detectives recovered stolen property belonging to the aforementioned victim in the driveway area of a residence located on Crystal Pines Road.

On September 23, BCSO detectives, and detectives from the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force served another search warrant on four parcels located on Crystal Pines Road. During the service of the search warrant detectives located numerous items to include suspected stolen property belonging to the aforementioned victim, a stolen vehicle, and three illegal marijuana grows containing approximately 242 marijuana plants.

Detectives determined the well and utilities supporting the illegal marijuana grows were powered by a series of homemade electrical lines run across the properties. The electrical lines were a fire hazard. BCSO immediately contacted PG&E. PG&E responded, determined the electrical lines were a fire hazard, and immediately disconnected the electrical lines.

On September 24, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Strawn for the following charges: one felony count of possession of a stolen vehicle, one misdemeanor count of possession of stolen property, one misdemeanor count of petty theft, one misdemeanor count of illegal cultivation of marijuana, and one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana for sale. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information regarding this investigation to contact Detective Vaj Thao at 530-538-7671.