The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office had their bread crumbs stolen over the weekend. On Saturday, around 11:30 p.m., officers were investigating a coroners case at a transient camp off East Bennet Street. Nevada County Sheriff Kieth Royal says the situation called for a Hansel and Grettle plan.

Sheriff Royal on Body Bag

The second wave of deputies eventually found the site of the investigation as well as their body bag. A man was found hiding in the bushes off the trail. The man, 53 year-old John Rice, had stolen the bag. When deputies found him, he first gave his brother’s name, in order to avoid what deputies discovered was a parole warrent issued for his arrest. Sheriff Royal says Rice was booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility for the parole warrent and for using his brother’s identity. The Sheriff’s Department has their body bag back.