Two men have pleaded no contest in a vandalism and illegal mining case out of Sierra County in California.
The case involved the construction of an illegal dirt road along Keystone Creek near Loganville.
Gregory Arnoldi Jr. and his father, Gregory Arnoldi Sr., were each charged with felony vandalism of public land managed by the United States Forest Service and adjacent private property, felony criminal conspiracy, and misdemeanor charges alleging water pollution, alteration of a stream without first notifying the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, mining without a Reclamation Plan and without a Sierra County Conditional Use Permit, and grading without a permit.
Both pleaded no contest to felony vandalism of public and private properties as well as to misdemeanor water pollution and stream alteration charges.
They were sentenced to 30 days in county jail and a $8,135 fine, and were tasked with implementing a restoration plan for the vandalized public and private properties, with all permitting, design, and construction costs borne by them.
They were also placed on felony probation for three years, and are forbidden from any form of mining during that time.
If restoration work isn’t implemented by August 1 of 2027, each man will get another eight months in jail and more than $30,000 each in fines.
They are also liable for any restitution to the affected property owners.
Anyone with information regarding illegal activities in Sierra County is encouraged to contact the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 289-3700.
