GRASS VALLEY, Calif. September 6, 2018 – On September 4th, 2018 a Nevada County Sheriff’s deputy received identifying information regarding two suspects involved in an unsolved commercial burglary from 2017, which occurred in the Loma Rica business park. The information was that two persons, one male and one female, entered a business in Nevada City where they inquired about selling some valuable gemstones. It quickly became apparent the two had no idea of the true value of the stones they possessed and were likely not the legitimate owners. Information regarding these two individuals, and the stones they possessed, was privately distributed throughout the local community of gemstone collectors. Within a couple of weeks, the rightful owner was identified and so were the pair who now possessed the stones. With that information a search warrant was sought and obtained for the residence of Terry L. Harkins (Female) DOB: 03/11/1984 and Joseph E. Brock DOB: 12/29/1981.
On the morning of September 5th, 2018 sheriff’s detectives, executed the search warrant at 11255 Vista Avenue in Grass Valley. A search of the premises revealed an AR-15 style assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. An illegal “drum” magazine for the rifle was also located. A check of the weapon’s serial number revealed it to have been reported stolen in 2017, here in Nevada County. The stolen gemstones in question were also located at the residence, along with dozens of other items taken during the same commercial burglary. Detectives recognized other items of property at the residence, such as air conditioner units, matching the description of items reportedly stolen from “A to Z Supply” only weeks prior.
Joseph Brock was booked into the Nevada County Jail on charges of resisting or delaying an officer, unlawful possession of an assault rifle, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, ex-felon in possession of ammunition, committing a felony while out on bail, second degree burglary and receiving stolen property.
Terry Harkins was later located not far from the property and deputies initiated a vehicle stop on her SUV. Harkins was detained and a search was conducted, which revealed prescription medications not lawfully prescribed to her. Harkins was arrested and booked into the Nevada County Jail on charges of receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and committing a felony while out on bail.
The investigation into these thefts and other associated crimes continues.