Ukiah Man Arrested for Alleged Grand Theft, Fraudulent Use of Access Card
WILLITS, CA — “On 4/8/25, an employee with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) reported to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) that three access cards and approximately $1,900 worth of items including an iPad, were stolen out of their vehicle on Highway 20 near Irmulco Rd. The iPad was later located in a dumpster in the Willits area via its tracking system.
It was later determined that one of the stolen access cards was used during an attempted purchase of approximately $2,200 worth of items from Coast Hardware in Willits. One of the stolen access cards was also used at New Trend Wireless and a fuel station.
Identifiable information specific to a Toyota Camry was provided to the investigating Sheriff’s Office Deputy and a records check determined that vehicle was registered to a Joseph Andersen out of Ukiah. Additional information was obtained during the investigation that determined Andersen was the suspect for this incident.
On 6/26/25, a Boonville resident contacted the Sheriff’s Office and reported a burglary of a storage unit in the 1700 block of Highway 253. It was determined that three Stihl brand chainsaws were stolen from the unit. The collective value of the chainsaws was determined to be approximately $3,500. Andersen and his Toyota were also determined to be associated with this incident.
On 6/29/25, a Ukiah resident contacted the Sheriff’s Office and reported the theft of a credit card. It was determined that the victim’s credit card was fraudulently used to purchase approximately $2,000 worth of items. Other attempts at using the access card were made; however, they were unsuccessful. It was again determined that Andersen and his Toyota Camry were associated with this incident.
Sheriff’s Office Detectives were informed of the above reported incidents. Detectives learned that Andersen had two counts of summary probation in Mendocino County. Detectives conducted an investigation into Andersen’s whereabouts and ultimately located Andersen at the Super 8 Motel in Fort Bragg on 7/10/25.
A search of Andersen’s person and Toyota found him to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, a used pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine, burglary tools, and various items associated with the aforementioned crimes. Andersen was also found to have at least two prior convictions of both theft-related crimes and possession of controlled substance-related crimes.
Andersen was placed under arrest and transported to the Mendocino County Jail without further incident, where he was to be held in lieu of $146,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to Andersen’s criminal activity or these ongoing investigations is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling 707-234-2100.”
