Yountville Sheriff Blotter – Suspects arrested in Yountville thefts now wanted after skipping court

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Napa County Sheriff Sgt. James Baumgartner reported that on March 24 around 10 a.m., Hotel Yountville staff called to report that a golf cart had been stolen earlier that morning. The golf cart was valued at $5,000, and the case is pending suspect information.

He also reported that on March 26 staff from Hillstone Homes and Honor Market, while conducting a product inventory, discovered a theft had occurred on Feb.21. A review of surveillance camera footage revealed a male and female taking a blanket valued at more than $1,200 from Hillstone and wine from the Honor Market.

The video surveillance was turned over to Yountville deputies, who began an investigation. On March 28 Yountville deputies learned that the suspects’ vehicle was possibly still in the Napa area. A “Be On the Lookout” (BOL) was broadcast to other deputies working the valley. That same day, at 11 a.m., the vehicle was spotted on SR-29 south of the Butler Bridge, where a traffic stop was conducted.

Two people, matching the description from the video surveillance were detained, separated and interviewed. The stolen blanket was recovered from the vehicle; it was determined that the stolen wine had already been consumed.

Michael Forster, 61, and Kensington Forster, 50, both from San Luis Obispo, were taken into custody and transported to the Napa County Jail. They were booked for four felony charges, burglary, theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. They posted bail and were released with a promise to appear. Both failed to appear on the date given to them and on April 7, a felony warrant was issued for their arrest.

“These two can continue to run and try and hide, but I’m confident we will find them. They will be arrested and they will be brought back to Napa Superior Court to face the charges against them,” Baumgartner said.