LAKEPORT >> James Dotson, 24 and Richard Tillman, 28 both appeared with counsel at the Lake County Superior Court in Lakeport last week, entering a plea of no contest to burglary.
Both men allegedly attempted to burglarize the South Lake Refuse and Recycling on Davis Avenue in Clearlake. Police officers were dispatched to the area for a reported burglary in progress. Gossett Alarm advised that the Hazmat door had been breached and the power was cut to the storage building.
Officers arrived at the scene and reportedly encountered two men in the process of burglarizing the storage building. Dotson and Tillman allegedly fled on foot when they were encountered by the police. A foot pursuit proceeded, which led them into a wooded area on the south side of the building, according to Sgt. Travis Lenz.
Both suspects entered a vehicle, which was concealed in the brush. Officer Chris Kelleher opened the driver side door, as the driver, Dotson, attempted to drive away. Dotson was physically removed and detained in handcuffs.
Tillman exited the passenger side of the vehicle and fled down a hill on foot, out of the officer’s sight, but they found him hiding in the brush after a thorough search of the area.
Tillman was found to be in possession of property which had just been stolen from the building. After a search of the suspect’s vehicle, additional stolen property from previous burglaries at South Lake Refuse and Recycling was located.
All recovered property was returned to the business and Dotson and Tillman were later booked into the Lake County Jail.
On July 13 Tillman was present in court and in custody at the Lake County Superior Courthouse in Lakeport with Defense Attorney Mitchell Hauptman. Tillman entered a plea of no contest to Count 2, which was burglary. The Court accepted the defendant’s plea. The parties have entered into a sentencing agreement.
On the motion of the people, the court ordered several other counts dismissed, pursuant to the negotiated disposition. This matter is set for Sentencing on August 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 3.
Dotson was present in court and in custody with Defense Attorney Komnith Moth. Dotson entered the same plea and the court accepted. The court waived other counts.
Dotson also had four separate cases trailing this matter. Based on two of the defendant’s cases, dating back to September 21, 2015, charges being Possession Of A Controlled Substance and Fleeing Peace Officer, with convictions on both, the Court found that the defendant violated his probation. Dotson’s probation was terminated as unsuccessful and time served.
All bonds were ordered exonerated.
Dotson is also set for Sentencing on August 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 3.
