Thank you all for your support and efforts in making Plumas County a safe and just place to live, work and play. Work continues to be busy in the district attorney’s office as we head into our beautiful, and often hectic, summer season.
Though it has our full attention, our caseload is less overwhelming relative to that of some of the state’s urban counties, which seem to be overwhelmed with crime. We continue to be grateful to live, work and play in a place offering a level of safety and security of which many other counties are, rightfully, jealous.
Despite this relative level of safety, we still see criminal cases needing to be addressed. This update addresses public safety in Plumas County and some of the cases the DA’s office is handling that have warranted status checks from the public.
Stalking and unauthorized use of a fire vehicle – People v. Robbie Hawkins
On May 28, Robbie Wayne Hawkins, 43, of Greenville, was charged with felony stalking stemming from incidents occurring in April and May. On May 30, Hawkins was also charged with felony unlawful taking of a vehicle where he is alleged to have taken and used a Crescent Mills Fire Department vehicle after he was no longer employed by CMFD. Hawkins has entered pleas of not guilty, remains in custody in the Plumas County jail and will next have his matters heard at a pretrial conference July 11.
Manslaughter – People v. Owen Magers
On May 30, 2023, Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister filed a two-count criminal complaint against Owen Walker Magers, 38, of Quincy, stemming from an incident at a Quincy residence May 27, 2023, where a 71-year-old man died. On June 16, 2023, criminal proceedings were suspended as Magers was found not competent to proceed to trial. Competency was restored and criminal charges reinstated April 19, 2024. On May 23, 2025, Magers was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and use of an improvised firearm. Magers is set for sentencing Aug. 1, when it is expected he will be sentenced to 21 years in state prison.
Assault and escape from jail – People v. Caleb Duerr
Caleb Lee Duerr, 40, of Johnsville, is currently in custody pending trial on a number of cases including felony domestic violence and felony escape from jail. On Feb. 14, after receiving evidence from two doctors and during a court trial, the Honorable Randall White found Duerr not competent to stand trial and ordered criminal proceedings remain suspended and Duerr be referred for a restoration of competency program through the California Department of State Hospitals. All criminal cases are now stayed pending Duerr being restored to competence. White set a progress report to monitor the restoration process for Aug. 8.
Embezzlement of Bucks Lake firefighters’ funds – People v. Jeffery Iversen
On Dec. 16, 2022, Jeffery Michael Iversen, 64, now of Florida, was charged in a one-count criminal complaint with felony embezzlement. Iversen is alleged to have embezzled $302,395.70 from Bucks Lake Fire Department Inc. and Bucks Lake Volunteer Firefighters Inc. A preliminary examination was held Nov. 3, 2023, where the judge found sufficient evidence for Iversen to be tried on the charges. Iversen’s motion to dismiss the case was denied Jan. 5, 2024. On June 9, 2025, the date set to begin jury trial, defendant Iversen pleaded no contest to felony embezzlement in violation of Penal Code Section 503/514. At trial, Assistant District Attorney Graham Archer was prepared to present evidence that Iversen wrongfully diverted $302,395.70 away from the Bucks Lake Fire Department and transferred $202,209.66 of that money to his personal bank account. The money embezzled was from the United States Forest Service and intended to reimburse the Bucks Lake Fire Department for the department’s efforts fighting the North Complex Fire in summer 2020. The district attorney’s office thanks the volunteers and board members of the Bucks Lake Fire Department and Bucks Lake Volunteer Firefighters organization, as well as Plumas County Sheriff’s Detectives Kris Frazier and John Fatheree for their efforts investigating the defendant’s wrongdoing, and their time spent preparing for trial. Iversen faces up to a year in county jail and will be ordered to pay restitution when sentenced Sept. 26.
Illegal mobile home park – People v. Sherridan Bennett
On June 10, Sherridan Rae Bennett, 33, of Quincy and Chico, was convicted of a misdemeanor violation of maintaining a public nuisance. Bennett’s conviction stems from a joint investigation by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Plumas County District Attorney’s Office over a noncompliant trailer park on Bell Lane in Quincy. Bennett was sentenced to 12 months of probation. The terms of probation include 90 days in county jail, which is suspended pending either restoration of the trailer park to code compliance or relinquishment of the property by Dec. 9. This has been a long and difficult path in addressing this property. The DA’s office thanks the many residents on Bell Lane for their help and patience finding an appropriate path to remedy this type of blight.
Contracting without a license – People v. Cody Morris
On June 27, Cody Guy Morris, 33, of Warner Valley, was convicted of misdemeanor contracting without a license. Morris’ conviction stemmed from an incident where a Greenville resident hired Morris to provide contracting work on her Greenville residence, paying a sizable down payment with proceeds from her Dixie Fire settlement. As a term of Morris’ probation, he was ordered to pay, and did pay, $35,000 in restitution to the victim. The DA’s office continues to encourage customers to contract with only licensed contractors. License status can be verified online. Further, it is illegal for a contractor to require a down payment of more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less.
Possession of methamphetamine for sale – People v. Rachael Sanchez aka Adams
On June 10, 2022, members of the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office led by Sgt. Tyler Hermann executed a search warrant at the Delleker residence of Rachael Sanchez, then known as Rachael Adams, 41. The search warrant team discovered approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine in Sanchez’s pocket. Forensic extraction of Sanchez’s phone revealed messages arranging sales of methamphetamine within Plumas County. Sanchez was charged with possession for sale of methamphetamine in violation of Health and Safety Code Section 11378, a felony. After a three-day jury trial ending June 26, the jury deliberated for 39 minutes before returning a guilty verdict on the sole count of felony possession of methamphetamine for sale. After the verdict, Sanchez was taken into custody pending sentencing July 18. The DA’s office was represented at trial by Assistant District Attorney Graham Archer. The district attorney thanks the PCSO team that executed the search warrant, as well as Detectives Frazier and Fatheree, Sgt. Peay and Deputy Courtright for their followup work on the case.
Lewd act upon a child – People v. Seth Rosecrans
Seth William Rosecrans, 18, of Loyalton, was charged Dec. 23, 2024, with committing a lewd act on a child involving an alleged relationship with a 13-year-old. Rosecrans was arrested following a joint investigation with the Plumas County and Sierra County sheriff’s offices. Rosecrans was convicted May 30, 2025, of the felony crime of committing a lewd act upon a child. Rosecrans will be sentenced July 18.
There is a great deal of promise and hope for all who live, work and play in Plumas County — it continues to be a spectacular place on many levels. On behalf of the DA’s office, it is an honor to serve Plumas County and we are all grateful for the opportunity to provide the highest level of service, in the most cost-effective manner. Thank you, again, for your support and efforts. Should you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at the DA’s office.
Source: Plumas County District Attorney’s Office activities and criminal cases, written by Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister.
