South Lake Tahoe, CA…As part of an ongoing joint agency criminal investigation, Investigators of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with Detectives from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, identified and disrupted a residential burglary in progress occurring in Douglas County; resulting in the arrest of three adults and the recovery of several items of stolen property.

The suspects forced entry into a residence located in the residential neighborhood of Valley Crest Estates, located in North Douglas County. The suspects were in the process of burglarizing the residence when investigators and patrol officers arrived on scene and placed them under arrest. The suspects have been identified as 44 year-old Jeffrey Lee Stephens, 45 year-old Jean Rene Winters, and 48 year-old Joseph Alan Winters. All three are residents of South Lake Tahoe, California.

The investigation has so far revealed that the suspects may be responsible for other residential burglaries committed throughout the region. The suspects were driving a 2000 Ford Explorer, white-in-color.

Investigators are continuing their investigation to determine each of the suspect’s individual involvement in the burglaries. This incident occurred at approximately 10:30 am on Friday, October 18th. 2013

Anyone who has seen the suspects or their vehicle in their neighborhood, or been contacted by them, is asked to call DCSO Investigators Ted Duzan or John Preston at 775-782-9905.