Police seek charges after wildfire cleanup worker posts "reprehensible" photos from burn zone
/ CBS/AP
PARADISE, Calif. — Police in Northern California say they'll pursue criminal charges against a wildfire cleanup worker who posted photos of himself posing at destroyed properties. Officials in the devastated town of Paradise said Saturday that the photos and accompanying captions by Rob Freestone are "unacceptable and reprehensible."
One shows a grinning Freestone with a flower pot on his head in front of a charred home. Another shows him jumping on a burned-out trampoline with the caption: "Trampolines are stupid … it used to be called a Jumpoline until your mom got on it."
One photo shows two people sitting in the remains of a burned motor home with the caption: "They're off on a fun filled vacation to unknown destinations in their new RV."
Another photo shows a dead cat with a beer bottle placed up to its mouth with this caption: "Dude… I was just chilling with my homies, having a couple of cold ones, and BAM… damn fire breaks out." (Warning: graphic photo).
Freestone and two other workers involved in the incidents last month have been fired from Bigge Crane and Rigging. The company called their behavior an "egregious insult."
Freestone couldn't be reached for comment.
A police spokesman says investigators will determine whether any crimes were committed.
First published on December 17, 2018
© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Is Joe Biden Democrats' best bet?
Early polling in Iowa doesn't always mean winning the caucuses, or making it all the way to the White House
updated 32M ago 
TED Talks and "CBS This Morning" team up for new series, "Ideas That Matter"
TED curator Chris Anderson on the new series highlighting individuals and ideas that help shape our world
updated 56M ago 
Lucky diner finds valuable pearl in restaurant oyster
"We were engaged in conversation and all of a sudden, whoop, what is that?"
1H ago 
Comey to testify again before House Judiciary Committee
The former FBI director, fired by President Trump in 2017, makes his second appearance this month to a closed-door session on Capitol Hill
1H ago 
Speaking at funeral, priest criticizes teen who killed himself
The archdiocese released a statement saying it's sorry that an "unbearable situation was made even more difficult"
updated 7M ago
Is Joe Biden Democrats' best bet?
Early polling in Iowa doesn't always mean winning the caucuses, or making it all the way to the White House
updated 32M ago
Comey to testify again before House Judiciary Committee
The former FBI director, fired by President Trump in 2017, makes his second appearance this month to a closed-door session on Capitol Hill
1H ago 
New reports detail sophistication of Russian influence efforts in U.S.
Two new analyses this week portray a sprawling, multifaceted operation affecting millions of users in the U.S. and persisting long after the 2016 presidential election
updated 39M ago 
Trump vows to review case against Army "hero" charged with murder
President's vow raises questions about the possibility he could jeopardize the ongoing military legal proceedings
4H ago 
Saudis balk at U.S. Senate's "disrespect" over Khashoggi killing
Kingdom calls bipartisan resolution pinning blame for murder on crown prince an "interference," but reaffirms strong ties with Trump's backing
6H ago 
3rd round of U.S.-Taliban talks start without Afghan government reps.
Change of venue for ongoing efforts to negotiate a roadmap for peace in Afghanistan, without any Afghan government negotiators
1H ago 
Yemen's rebels pin hopes for peace on the U.S. government
With ceasefire about to take effect, Houthi foreign minister tells CBS News relief for millions is coming, and with U.S. help, peace can flourish
updated 19M ago 
Unearthed tomb called the most "significant discovery in decades"
The walls are covered in carvings depicting some of their favorite activities: hunting, musical performances and even sailing
2H ago 
Help will come too late for many starving Yemeni kids
As ceasefire brings some hope, parents in rebel territory feed their kids — the ones strong enough to eat anything — boiled leaves
2H ago 
Malaysia accuses Goldman Sachs of involvement in 1MDB scandal
Investment bank faces criminal charges over alleged multibillion-dollar theft from sovereign wealth fund
5H ago 
Cardi B defends Offset after fans bash him
It seems that Offset's stunt on Saturday might have been pre-approved by Cardi B's team
1H ago 
The "Hamilton" team on crafting a revolutionary musical
Director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, writer-lyricist-actor Lin-Manuel Miranda and music director Alex Lacamoire talk about their historic collaboration
1H ago 
Miss Universe 2018: Catriona Gray of the Philippines wins crown
The 24-year-old Gray edged out first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa and third-place Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela
12H ago 
Emily Blunt on "Mary Poppins Returns"
The Golden Globe-nominated star of the new Disney musical talks about taking on the role of P.L. Travers' "practically perfect" nanny made famous by Julie Andrews
Dec 16 
Michael Bublé is back with "Love," and takes nothing for granted
Returning from a two-year break from performing, the chart-topping singer talks about how his family met the challenge of a cancer diagnosis
Dec 16 
New reports detail sophistication of Russian influence efforts in U.S.
Two new analyses this week portray a sprawling, multifaceted operation affecting millions of users in the U.S. and persisting long after the 2016 presidential election
updated 39M ago 
Google to spend $1B on major New York City expansion
The 1.7 million square-foot campus will help the tech giant double its New York City staff within a decade
4H ago 
First of new fleet of GPS satellites set for launch
New generation is designed to be more secure and accurate but many new features won't be available until 2022 or later
5H ago 
Colin Kroll, HQ Trivia and Vine co-founder, dies at 34
Colin Kroll, the CEO and co-founder of the popular HQ Trivia app, has died, the company said Sunday
19H ago 
Almanac: The first vending machine
On December 16, 1884, William Henry Fruen patented his "Automatic Liquid-Drawing Device," leading the way to coin-operated devices dispensing a myriad of products
Dec 16 
Health care stock sink after ACA ruling
After a Texas judge ruled the health care law unconstitutional, insurers and hospital operators led stock markets lower
2H ago 
"That overdose saved my life": Why opioid deaths plunged in one Ohio county
In the midst of what's considered the nation's worst public health crisis so far in the 21st century, Hamilton County is dramatically reducing the number of deaths
2H ago 
How to combat loneliness during the holidays
Experts say loneliness – which is not the same as being alone – is at epidemic levels nationwide, and a greater public health concern than obesity and smoking combined
2H ago 
Vaping booming in U.S. high schools, survey finds
Doubled use of e-cigarettes this year was biggest one-year rise in survey's 44-year history, far beyond a mid-1970s surge in pot smoking
5H ago 
What judge's ruling means for people covered under Obamacare
"We expect this ruling will be appealed to the Supreme Court. Pending the appeal process, the law remains in place," White House press secretary said
19H ago 
These banks offer savers rates higher than 2%
While traditional banks tend to pay less than 1% on savings accounts and CDs, these places are offering more than 2%
1H ago
Health care stock sink after ACA ruling
After a Texas judge ruled the health care law unconstitutional, insurers and hospital operators led stock markets lower
2H ago 
Prosecco, now the No. 1 bubbly, aims to keep the party going
The Italian sparkling wine's makers have France's Champagne on its heels, and they plan to build on those gains
3H ago 
Women who attend elite colleges earn more, but marry less
Attending a highly selective university has a far different impact on women than for men, a study finds
2H ago 
How UPS becomes "Santa's sleigh" during the holiday season
Wednesday may be United Parcel Service's busiest day ever, with 37 million deliveries
3H ago 
Mother in viral video where NYPD take toddler speaks out
"I was so afraid. I was combative with my thoughts … I just remember being talked to very viciously," Jazmine Headley said Sunday
14H ago 
Patient hijacks ambulance in Southern California
Incident started in Lake Elsinore and headed north on Interstate 15 until it finally came to an end in Hesperia
13H ago 
French city mourns as 5th victim dies after Christmas market attack
More than 1,000 people reportedly attended the memorial Sunday, days after fatal shooting in Strasbourg
11H ago 
Ex-officers charged after video showed them slamming teen
Both officers resigned in November after video from Brusly Middle School showed the officers slamming the student
16H ago 
FindJodi: The decades-long search for a missing TV news anchor
More than two decades after an Iowa TV anchor disappeared, "48 Hours" reports on new information and new efforts to find Jodi Huisentruit
Dec 16 Original Article
