Auburn couple charged with tampering with vehicles, stealing goods in string of car thefts
Authorities have arrested and charged an Auburn couple on suspicion of tampering with a series of vehicles in the Colfax region, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies began investigating a string of crimes after a report was made in August when a Colfax resident noticed items in their truck had been rearranged. Several other reports in the region, including Auburn, alleged the same activity, and in some cases, people reported items stolen from their vehicles.
The affected vehicles were unlocked at the time, the Sheriff’s Office said.
“We have currently identified nine vehicles and we expect to identify more through the ongoing investigation,” said Sgt. David Smith, spokesman for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy investigating the cases identified two suspects and on Oct. 6, deputies obtained a search warrant for the couple’s apartment in Auburn.
Deputies said they found items suspected to be stolen inside their apartment.
Donald Malone, 73, and Erin Lynch, 43, were arrested on suspicion of tampering with a vehicle, theft, and conspiracy. Both were arraigned in Placer Superior Court on Oct. 10 and pleaded not guilty to four felony counts each, according to court documents.
The duo returns to court Tuesday.
