Fourth suspect arrested in $1 million Mariposa mineral museum robbery

A fourth man has been arrested in connection to the September robbery of the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa, where more than $1 million of gold and precious gems were stolen, according to Mariposa County Undersheriff Joel Bibby.

Christopher Scott Sheffield, 42, was arrested late Tuesday on two felony charges, including attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Three other men were already in custody, after being arrested during a multi-agency effort Tuesday morning, spearheaded by the California Highway Patrol. Those suspects are Edward Rushing III, 40, from El Dorado County, Matthew Campbell, 43, and Jonathan Matis, 41, both from Sutter County, were arrested for conspiracy to commit robbery.

In addition to conspiracy to commit robbery charges, the suspects were linked to other crimes in Sacramento and Placer counties, authorities said.

Rushing was arrested on suspected drug charges, in connection to drugs found during one of the search warrants. Matis was arrested on suspicion of armed robbery, vehicle theft and vandalism. One of the suspects is also on parole, according to the CHP. All four suspects are being held at the Mariposa County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail for each.

-- Sun-Star staff