Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Other Charges Filed Against Gurdon Man

It seems the case against Jason Hammonds is far from over.

While charges of theft by receiving were nolle prosequi against Hammonds recently, charges of residential burglary have been levied.

The case against Hammonds began after he gave two weapons, a .357-caliber lever action rifle, and 9mm Baretta handgun, to Rusty Jester and Jimmy Sloss shortly before Christmas.

The problem is, the weapons were two of 19 stolen from the home of Ed McClure of Okolona on Dec. 19, 2000.

After Hammonds gave Jester and Sloss the weapons, an informant let officials know what had transpired. The two were called in and questioned. They told officers the guns had been given to them as gifts from Hammonds.

Hammonds was taken in for questioning and told officers he had bought the weapons from an unidentified black man at the Gurdon Laundromat for $365.

However, as the investigation continued, officers learned of a party held at the home of Kenneth Burton, who lives near McClure in Okolona.

According to court records, Burton threw the party on Dec. 22, 2000, and Hammonds was there.

A member of the party told officers they had seen the 9mm handgun at Burton's house and was informed the weapon belonged to Hammonds.

Another person attending the party told officers Burton had shown them his closet, which was filled with weapons, including the .357-caliber lever action rifle.

This led officers to pick Burton up, read him his rights and question him about the case.

According to court records, on Dec. 19, 2000, Burton allegedly dropped Hammonds off at the McClure home as it was known the McClure's were out of state at the time.

Burton reportedly picked Hammonds up about 90 minutes later, with Hammonds said to be carrying a sleeping bag filled with several weapons.

These weapons, according to court records, were taken back to Burton's house.

Meanwhile, charges against Hammonds have been upgraded to two counts of residential burglary. This is a class B felony with a possible sentence of 5-20 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.

Charges are also pending against Burton at this time.