Editor’s note: This is a periodic review of the Plumas County District Attorney’s Office activities and criminal cases, written by Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister.
Thank you all for your support and efforts in making Plumas County a safe and just place to live, work and play. This has been a busy time at the Plumas County District Attorney’s Office. We continue to meet our daily challenges with steadiness and laser focus in serving Plumas County to the best of our abilities.
For these consistent and daily efforts, I am exceptionally grateful for our experienced and talented staff at the DA’s office. While daily challenges with some of our cases are apparent, as you will see below, we continue to be grateful to live in Plumas County. Among our many reasons to call Plumas County home, we have been blessed with a stunning and smoke-free fall and Plumas County continues to be among the safest counties in the state — offering a unique and desired quality of life.
Please accept this as an update on public safety in Plumas County and some of the cases the DA’s office is handling.
Escape – Caleb Duerr
On Sept. 30, 2024, Caleb Duerr, 39, of Johnsville, was charged with felony escape and a no-bail warrant was issued by the Plumas County Superior Court. On Sept. 27, Duerr escaped from the Plumas County jail. Duerr was being held on charges including felony domestic violence and inflicting great bodily injury stemming from a Dec. 19, 2023, incident where Duerr is alleged to have engaged in a six-plus-hour assault on his wife leaving her with a concussion, cervical strain and multiple contusions on her neck and face. At the time of the escape, Duerr’s mental competence to stand trial was being evaluated. Duerr previously served in the military, is technologically savvy and is considered violent and dangerous. It is incredibly important, on many levels and to many people, that Duerr be taken into custody safely and as soon as possible. Those with information concerning Duerr’s whereabouts are urged not to try to engage Duerr but to immediately call 911 or the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office at 530-283-6300.
Sheriff’s association embezzlement – People v. Cassandra Lavley
On Oct. 11, 2024, Cassandra Beth Lavley, 39, of Quincy, was convicted of felony embezzlement. The crime is alleged to have occurred during 2022 and 2023 and involved Lavley, a Plumas County sheriff’s dispatcher, embezzling funds within her capacity as the secretary/treasurer of the Plumas County Sheriff’s Employee’s Association. The investigation, headed by Assistant District Attorney Graham Archer and District Attorney Investigator Shawn Adams, proved Lavley embezzled over $20,000 from the association’s general account and the needy kids’ account — which included the fundraising proceeds used by the association to provide gifts for children in need at Christmas time — for purchases such as concert tickets, designer clothing, furniture, televisions, a mattress, alcohol and food. Lavley is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 22. If Lavley pays $25,592.76 in restitution prior to her sentencing date, she is expected to be placed on probation with terms, including a jail sentence of up to 365 days, to be determined by the court. If restitution is not paid the plea is “open” and Lavley can be sentenced to state prison. I very much appreciate the timely and thorough efforts by Deputy Chandler Peay and Sgt. Jake Vickrey in detecting the theft, conducting a thorough internal investigation and assisting the district attorney’s office in the prosecution. The DA’s office recognizes how difficult this can be when the crime being reported involves a co-worker. Peay and Vickrey, in particular, deserve our gratitude in placing their obligation to our community above any friendship or related loyalty.
Furnishing drugs to a 12-year-old – People v. Nicholas Reid
On Oct. 11, 2024, Nicholas William Reid, 45, of Portola, was sentenced to three years in county jail following his Sept. 5 conviction of a felony violation of Section 11361(a) alleging Reid furnished cannabis to a 12-year-old. The arrest was the culmination of a lengthy, involved investigation by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office led by Deputies Hermann and Deaver as well as the detectives unit.
Domestic violence – People v. Jordan Thomas-Phipps
On June 2, 2024, Jordan Anthony Thomas-Phipps, 26, of Quincy, was arrested on felony domestic violence charges. Thomas-Phipps was arrested following an incident where he assaulted his girlfriend and then, upon her trying to leave the area, dragged her back to their apartment. Upon contact by responding officers, Thomas-Phipps resisted arrest but was, eventually, taken into custody. On Aug. 16, Thomas-Phipps was convicted of felony domestic violence and admitted he previously suffered a “strike” prior conviction. On Aug. 30 Thomas-Phipps was sentenced to four years in state prison.
Possession of stolen equine equipment – People v. Katie Buck
On June 1, 2023, Katie Jo Buck, 29, then of Quincy, was charged in a two-count complaint with receiving or possessing stolen property and falsely reporting a criminal offense. Buck was arrested following an investigation where she was alleged to be in possession of equine equipment and horse tack stolen from members of the Feather River College rodeo team and equine studies program. On May 24, 2024, Buck was convicted of felony possession of stolen property and misdemeanor falsely reporting a crime. Buck was later sentenced Aug. 23 and placed on two years of formal probation, sentenced to 270 days in county jail with the court reserving its restitution order. We very much wish to thank the many members of FRC’s rodeo team and equine studies program for their patience and assistance throughout this case.
Stalking – People v. Ryan Sorosinski-Drybread
On July 12, 2024, Ryan Joseph Sorosinski-Drybread, 35, of Quincy, was convicted of felony stalking and has been ordered to be sentenced Nov. 15. On Oct. 23, 2023, Sorosinski-Drybread was charged in a one-count complaint with felony stalking. The charges stemmed from an investigation finding Sorosinski-Drybread and the victim had been friends when Sorosinski-Drybread developed an unreciprocated romantic interest in the victim. This interest led Sorosinski-Drybread to follow and pursue the victim in both Hawaii and Plumas County, culminating with Sorosinski-Drybread following and stalking the victim at a Bucks Lake campsite. We wish to thank the victim for her patience and assistance during many followup interviews as well as Deputy Tyler Hermann and Detective Chrissy Vickrey for their tireless efforts on this case.
Restaurant break-in – People v. Christina Ward
On June 27, 2024, Christina Janee Ward, 30, of Greenville, was arrested for felony commercial burglary. Ward entered the La Nacho Mama Restaurant in East Quincy during the overnight hours of June 26, where she stole cash from the register, a purse and beer. This cold case was quickly investigated by Sgt. Robbie Gott, who was able to locate and arrest Ward the next day. At the time of the burglary, Ward had other pending cases. Ward was sentenced Aug. 30 to two years and three months in state prison, to be served in county jail pursuant to Assembly Bill 109. Ward’s recidivism and conduct while the case was pending were factors in probation being denied.
Drive-by shooting – Christian Governor
On April 8, 2021, an unknown person(s) drove by a residence on Pioneer Road in Quincy and fired a number of shots at the house and a car parked nearby. Nobody was hurt during the shooting, nor was an assailant identified. The Plumas County sheriff’s investigation division, led by Sgt. Steve Peay, then engaged in long and in-depth investigation utilizing search warrants and DNA typing, among other tools, to locate the perpetrator. On Aug. 3, 2023, Christian Raymond Governor, 24, formerly of Reno, Nevada, was charged with two felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling and shooting at an unoccupied vehicle. Governor was convicted of felony shooting at an inhabited dwelling on July 26, 2024. On Sept. 13, Governor was sentenced to a combined term of 10 years and eight months in state prison based on convictions in this case as well as in Butte County. We are exceptionally grateful for the patience and support demonstrated by the victims and the continued and tireless pursuit of justice in this case by local law enforcement. This investigation was actively pursued by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office detectives division, using every tool at their disposal, for over two years.
Eleven-hour manhunt – Christopher Hale-Goodson
On June 6, 2024, Christopher Adam Hale-Goodson, 41, of Westwood, was arrested after an incident where he drove to Plumas County after threatening his ex-girlfriend and her father. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office was able to intercept Hale-Goodson, whereupon Hale-Goodson led deputies on a car chase and then a pursuit on foot. Hale-Goodson was at large for 11 hours prior to his arrest. On July 12, Hale-Goodson was convicted of felony evading. On Aug. 30, Hale-Goodson was sentenced to two years in state prison. This apprehension was the result of excellent teamwork by the sheriff’s office, California Highway Patrol and California Department of Fish and Wildlife with Deputies Mahon, Peay, Mathews and Johns ultimately locating and arresting Hale-Goodson in a brushy area off Highway 70 near Butterfly Valley Road.
HR conflict of interest – People v. Nancy Selvage
On Nov. 16, 2023, a three-count criminal complaint was filed against Plumas County Human Resources Director Nancy Louise Selvage, 68, of Quincy, stemming from a May 2022 incident where she is alleged to have negotiated and recommended a 43% pay raise on behalf of both herself and the county. The criminal investigation occurred over many months, drawing additional focus after the Plumas County Civil Grand Jury published its 2022-23 report. A preliminary hearing was held May 28, 2024, where the Honorable Raymond Giordano found sufficient evidence for Selvage to be bound over for trial. A motion to dismiss the charges was withdrawn by the defense and the matter is now set for jury trial Nov. 12.
There is a great deal of promise and hope for all who live, work and play in Plumas County — it continues to be a spectacular place on many levels. On behalf of the district attorney’s office, it is an honor to serve Plumas County and we are all grateful for the opportunity to provide the highest level of service in the most cost-effective manner. Thank you, again, for your support and efforts. Should you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me at the DA’s office.
Information provided by Plumas County District Attorney’s Office
