May 22, 2026 – Sonora Police Department officials report that on May 18, 2026, at 3:45 p.m. officers with the Sonora Police Department responded to Sierra Smoke N Vape for a reported theft of a wallet and attempted use of stolen credit cards. The victim told officers the wallet had been lost and later received a notification that her bank card was being used at the Sierra Smoke N Vape. The two suspects, identified as 65-year-old Sonora transient Raelene Casner and 67-year-old Sonora transient Stephen Place, were found in possession of the lost wallet and were caught on camera attempting to buy a carton of cigarettes with the stolen cards. A search of Casner’s person produced prescription medications belonging to someone else.

Casner was arrested and booked into the Tuolumne County Jail for felony attempt to use personal information for goods, felony burglary, felony conspiracy, and misdemeanor possession of medication without a prescription.

Place was arrested and booked in the Tuolumne County Jail for felony attempt to use personal information for goods, felony burglary, and felony conspiracy.

It’s important to remember that the individuals mentioned in this report were arrested based on suspicion of the crimes with which they’ve been charged. All such charges are mere allegations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Source: Sonora Police Department