Search Warrant Executed in Empire, March 28

CBPD release – The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) recovered stolen property and executed a search warrant at an Empire area home following the arrest of a man on probable cause from the Florence Police Department (FPD). On March 24, 2024, the CBPD arrested Justentyme Lesher, 32, of Coos Bay, at a residence in the 200 block of N Main Street. The CBPD arrested Mr. Lesher on probable cause from the FPD, which charged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated theft I, theft by deception, forgery I, and identity theft. CBPD officers found and recovered some of the stolen property from the FPD case. The Oregon State Police (OSP) transported Mr. Lesher to Reedsport and into the custody of the FPD. Mr. Lesher was later transported to the Lane County Jail. Following Mr. Lesher’s arrest, CBPD officers executed a search warrant at the N. Wall Street residence, which found additional stolen or fraudulently obtained property and evidence of criminal activity. During the search warrant execution, CBPD officers discovered a suspicious object inside the residence and requested assistance from the OSP Bomb Squad. The OSP Bomb Squad reacted and disarmed the item without incident. The criminal cases that resulted from Mr. Lesher’s arrest remain under investigation in partnership with surrounding law enforcement agencies. The CBPD appreciates the aid and cooperation from the Florence Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indian Tribal Police.