Pair Busted For Theft

Sonora, CA – Two men were arrested after stealing a pair of saddle bags off a motorcycle that was parked in Sonora.

The Police Department reports that the bags were taken over the weekend from a motorcycle parked in front of the Sonora Days Inn. Officers received a description of a vehicle driving away, and were able to pull it over within minutes. The driver was identified as 48-year-old Ernest Costa of Chinese Camp and his passenger was 46-year-old Tommy Lee Smith of Modesto. The stolen bags were located in the bed of the truck, in plain view.

Costa was charged with felony grand theft and felony possession of stolen property, in addition to felony possession of methamphetamine. Smith was charged with felony possession of stolen property and felony violation of parole. Both men were booked into Tuolumne County Jail.