Person of interest named in disappearance

The investigation into last month’s disappearance of Chicoan Neal King, 24, has led to the arrests of two Oroville residents on felony marijuana charges.

Donald and Jennifer Cheatham pleaded not guilty in Butte County Superior Court Tuesday (April 16) to marijuana cultivation and intent to distribute. Donald Cheatham was also charged with receiving a stolen firearm and is still being held on $500,000 bail. Jennifer was released on $80,000 bail, District Attorney Mike Ramsey told the CN&R.

The Cheathams own the Oroville residence that was King’s last known destination for a March 26 business meeting allegedly involving marijuana. The couple also own Amazon Garden Supply in Oroville.

Ramsey said Donald Cheatham is a person of interest who may have information about King’s last known whereabouts, and that the investigation is ongoing.