Squatters arrested in Copperopolis

   On December 16, 2018 the Calaveras Sheriff's Office received  a report of subjects possibly living in or "squatting" in a vacant residence.


  Deputies initiated an investigation into the property located in the 4000 block of Edgewater Court
in Copperopolis.

   Deputies were able to confirm that this residence was not "vacant". Deputies made contact with the homeowner who lived out of county and confirmed that no one should be living in the home, which contained a number of valuable items.

   During the early morning on December 17, 2018 deputies responded to the residence an were able to see two subjects inside.

   A perimeter was formed around the property for a burglary in progress and made several announcements for the subjects to come out.

   With no response from inside, deputies made entry and arrested two subjects inside the house.

    The arrestees were identified as Larry Vannatta (44) of Copperopolis and Cathryn Walter (45) of Angels Camp.

   Through investigation, it was determine that the two suspects had been living in the residence and numerous collectibles and property had already been stolen.

  One of the suspect's truck was found in the garage with the bed of the truck loaded with stolen property.  Deputies also located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

   Larry Vannatta and Cathryn Walter were booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of alleged 460(a(PC-Burglary, 487(a)PC Grand Theft, 594(b)(1)PC Vandalism and 182 and 192(a)(1) PC Criminal Conspiracy.

   Cathryn Walter was additionally charged with alleged 11377(a) H & S Possession of a controlled substance and 1136 H & S Possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bail is set at $50,000.

   Larry Vannatta was additionally charged with alleged 30305(a)(1) PC Felon in possession of ammunition and 120221.1 PC-Committing a felony while out on bail. Vannatta's bail is set at $75,000.

   The investigation is ongoing. Stolen items still outstanding for this case have been described as sports memorabilia including clothing, NASCAR memorabilia and Disney memorabilia.

   Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Calaveras County Sheriff's dispatch at 754-6500 to speak with a detective or our anonymous tip line 754-6030. No further information is available at this time.