The following is a press release issued by the Willits Police Department The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On May 6, 2021 Willits Police Department (WPD) Officers were dispatched to the Shanachie Pub (50 South Main Street) for a report of a burglary. Officers were able to determine the front door of the business had been forced open and multiple items were taken. On May 7, 2021 Officer Higley and Sgt. Brady were working a separate unrelated theft. They obtained security footage and were able to obtain a description and viewed the suspect, later identified as Dustin Brown, on the video footage. Officer Higley later observed and detained Brown walking in the city of Willits. Brown admitted to his involvement in the theft as well as the burglary at the Shanachie Pub. Brown still possessed some of the stolen property as well as methamphetamine. He was arrested for PC459 (Burglary), PC591 (Cutting lines that conduct electricity), and HS11377(a) (Possession of Controlled Substance). He was transported to the Mendocino County Jail. Brown was subsequently released on May 8, 2021, pending trial.
On May 12, 2021 at approximately 5:11pm WPD Officers were dispatched to West Commercial for a reported theft from JD Redhouse (212 South Main Street). Officers arrived, located and detained Dustin Brown who matched the description of the suspect. Brown denied stealing any items and stated he paid for his items. Officers were able to verify Brown stole an item from the location and placed him under arrest. Officers determined Brown paid for the items with a card with someone else’s name on it. That person was located and they stated they were a victim of the unreported theft. The victim stated they did not know Brown, and Brown did not have permission to use their card. Prior to being transported, Brown was searched and officers located suspected methamphetamine and a clear glass pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine. Brown was Transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he was booked for PC532 (False pretenses to obtain property), PC485 (Theft, appropriation of lost property), PC12022.1 (Committing a Felony while out on bail or Own Recognizance), HS11377(a) (Possession of controlled substance), HS11364(a) (Possession of opium pipe).
Due to Brown’s continued criminal behavior, a bail enhancement was requested and approved by Judge Brennan. Anyone with further information on the crimes Brown was charged with, is urged to contact the WPD at (707) 459-6122.
