Mt. Shasta Fire Captain Jasen Patrick Vela Arrested on Felony Embezzlement Charges Tied to Prior Role as Montague Fire Chief
- Rex Ballard
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
MT. SHASTA, Calif. — Mount Shasta Fire Captain Jasen Patrick Vela was arrested on the morning of March 3, 2026, inside the Mt. Shasta Fire Department by investigators from the Siskiyou County District Attorney’s Office.
Vela, who had served as captain with the department for only a few months, faces two felony counts: embezzlement by a public officer/employee (Penal Code 508) and misappropriation of public funds (Penal Code 424(A)(1)). Authorities allege he stole more than $100,000 from the City of Montague and its volunteer fire department association between 2016 and 2024 while serving as Montague’s fire chief.
Vela was placed on unpaid administrative leave immediately following the arrest. Mount Shasta City Manager Todd Juhasz issued a brief statement confirming the charges stem solely from Vela’s previous tenure in Montague. The Mt. Shasta Police Department is conducting an internal affairs investigation, and city officials have declined further comment until that review is complete.
Vela pleaded not guilty to both felony counts on March 4, 2026, in Siskiyou Superior Court. His next court date is a pre-trial conference scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Vela was dismissed from his position as Montague fire chief in 2024 amid earlier allegations of financial misconduct. He later joined the Mount Shasta Fire Department, a move that drew some local attention at the time due to the department’s need for experienced personnel in the rural North State.
Shasta Unfiltered will continue to follow developments in this case, including the May 27 pre-trial hearing. Court records remain public and can be accessed through Siskiyou County Superior Court.
