4th suspect arrested in $1.3 million gold heist

A fourth suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection with the $1.3 million gold heist from a Mariposa mining museum in September.

Christopher Scott Sheffield, 42, of Georgetown, was booked into the Mariposa County Jail on suspicion of attempted burglary and conspiracy.

A Pleasant Grove resident has also been linked to the audacious Sept. 28 daytime robbery in which hooded men stormed the California Mining and Minerals Museum armed with pickaxes, smashed display cases and made off gold and precious gems.

Jonathan Edward Matis, 41, was arrested Tuesday in the 10000 block of Garden Highway on suspicion of attempted burglary, robbery, vehicle theft, vandalism, conspiracy and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Authorities have not said what they believe Matis' role may have been during the heist.

"We can't go into that at this time, the investigation is still ongoing," Lt. Mike Troxell said Wednesday.

Mathew Scott Campbell, 43, of Rio Linda, was arrested with Matis on suspicion of attempted burglary and conspiracy.

A fourth suspect, Edward Richard Rushing, III, 40, of Placerville, was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, robbery, conspiracy and making criminal threats.

All four are being held on $1 million bail each, according to Mariposa Undersheriff Joel Bibby.

Museum officials said thieves took $1.3 million in gold and gems during the robbery.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.