Three Accused In Tuolumne County Crime Spree

A pair of alleged arsonists and burglars may face more than 12-years in prison if convicted on all charges related to a recent crime spree in Tuolumne County.

Deputy District Attorney John Day says 22-year old James Albert Tyler and 22-year old John Dale Mitchell Junior face a variety of charges when they return to court.

“There are four auto theft charges, there are three burglary charges, there´s a conspiracy to commit arson, an arson, and an attempted arson,” Day said Thursday.

A 16 year old suspect arrested in the crime spree is facing virtually the same charges. His name is being withheld because he is a juvenile.

The two men and one juvenile are believed to be responsible for a number of burglaries and car thefts in the area, as well as the arson fire that destroyed a home on Jenny Court near Bell Mooney Road. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. Damage was estimated at $400-thousand.