Suspected serial burglar James Allen Poelstra a.k.a. Jimmy Gold arrested

Sedona AZ (May 5, 2014) – Following diligent work by a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office detective and reporting deputies, James Allen Poelstra (a.k.a. “Jimmy Gold”), 32,  was charged on April 30, 2014, with multiple counts of Burglary and Theft related crimes occurring in the Rimrock – Beaver Creek (AZ) community. At the time he was charged, Poelstra was already in-custody in the Camp Verde Detention Center where he currently remains on a total bond of $56,500.

Over the last few weeks, detectives from the YCSO Criminal Investigations Bureau developed information regarding Poelstra’s connection to burglaries in the Rimrock area. Detectives then sought and obtained a search warrant which was served in late April at Poelstra’s home in the 5200 block of Dave Wingfield Road, Rimrock. The search resulted in the recovery of a large amount of stolen property, including valuable mechanic and construction tools related to the following cases:

1. A report filed in January 2014 by the owner of an automotive shop in the 3100 block of East Beaver Creek Road documented the theft of several expensive mechanics tools along with four car batteries taken from vehicles parked on the lot. A majority of the tools were recovered from Poelstra’s home during the search.

2. In late March 2014, YCSO deputies contacted a resident in the 4000 block of Pima  Way, Rimrock, regarding a residential burglary. Stolen items included a 9 mm handgun, two rings, and $300 in cash. The handgun was recovered as part of the investigative follow-up.

3. Also in late March 2014, deputies completed a report involving the theft of a washer,  dryer and water heater from an unoccupied home in the 4300 block of Waldron Road, Rimrock. The washer and dryer were recovered during the search warrant.

4. In early April, deputies were dispatched to the 4400 block of Roundup Road, Rimrock, for a residential burglary report. Assorted tools worth several thousand dollars had been stolen. At least seven of these tools were recovered from Poelstra’s house during service of the search warrant.

5. In mid-April, deputies were called to the Ranch House Restaurant – Beaver Creek Golf course regarding a burglary from the maintenance yard. Items stolen and eventually recovered during the search at Poelstra’s house included a bag of duck decoys, a Yamaha keyboard, assorted hand tools, two air impact tools, air compressor, battery tester, tractor parts, and more. The initial loss was estimated at several thousand dollars. Entry into the golf course yard was made by cutting locks on security gates.

Additional burglaries remain under investigation as to Poelstra’s involvement.

Detectives are still seeking further information, including the  whereabouts of additional stolen property and or other persons who may be involved in these crimes. Please contact Detective Todd Swaim at 928-554-8605 with any  information. If the caller wishes to remain anonymous, please contact Yavapai Silent  Witness at 800-932-3232.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website at www.ycsoaz.gov.

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!