September 16, 2025 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that in late August, deputies responded to a report of theft from a property in the area of Star Ridge Road near Italian Bar Road in Columbia. The victim reported that during two occasions—once in July and again in August—water tanks and multiple solar batteries had been stolen. He also provided deputies with a lead: he had seen what he believed to be his stolen items listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Deputies immediately began an investigation, which included collecting video surveillance related to the thefts and working to identify the suspects based on information available from the online postings. They followed up on multiple leads and visited several locations linked to the individuals believed to be involved. Although the suspects and stolen property were not located at that time, deputies continued to be on the lookout for additional leads.
At the very end of August, a deputy observed a water tank similar to the description of the stolen property behind the Chevron in Sierra Village. This observation proved to be a key lead in the ongoing investigation.
In early September, the same victim reported another theft—this time, another water tank had been taken from his property and was again appearing for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Building on the initial leads and with further investigative efforts, deputies were able to gather sufficient evidence to obtain a search warrant for the property in Sierra Village, where the tank had been seen.
On September 10, 2025, deputies served the warrant. Several individuals were detained at the property, including 30-year-old Summer Dawn Ward, 63-year-old Frederick Lee Guthmiller, and 54-year-old Stephen Gray. During a search of the outdoor area, deputies recovered one stolen water tank and four stolen batteries. Based on their investigation, they found evidence supporting Ward, Gray, and Guthmiller were knowingly in possession of stolen property.
Deputies were also informed of the presence of a firearm and suspected narcotics inside the residence. The Tuolumne Narcotics Team (TNT) was called in to assist.
Inside the home, TNT detectives located a loaded .357 revolver and ammunition belonging to Guthmiller, who was found to be prohibited from possessing firearms. They also discovered approximately 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine packaged in multiple bags, about 22 pounds of marijuana (both loose and individually packaged), along with packaging materials and other items indicative of drug sales.
Ward, Gray, and Guthmiller were arrested and transported to the Dambacher Detention Center. All three were booked on charges of possession of stolen property.
Guthmiller was additionally booked on charges related to drug sales and being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.
This remains an active investigation, anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact our Sheriff's Office at 209-533-5815.
View video here.
Source & photo: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office
