FRESNO, CA — Over 2,000 pounds of Pink Moon Peaches have gone missing from multiple farms in the Fresno area, and this week, three men were arrested on suspicion of the crime, the Fresno Sheriff’s Department shared.
On Monday, detectives assigned to the Agricultural Crimes Task Force arrested 54-year-old Francisco Lopez of Reedley and 46-year-old Josue Vargas of Orange Cove for felony grand theft of farm crops.
Lopez has a bail set at $10,000. Vargas, who faces additional charges related to D.U.I. warrants, has a total bail of $50,000.
Fresno Sheriff's Department investigators were researching ongoing stone fruit thefts in Fresno and Tulare Counties, working with patrol deputies and Reedley Police officers to find the suspect's vehicle.
"Later that night, a deputy stopped a matching pickup truck towing a trailer loaded with crates containing approximately 2,000 lbs. of Pink Moon Peaches, valued at $8,500," a spokesperson for the department said.
"Detectives responded and determined the peaches were stolen on Sunday from a farm in Tulare County," a spokesperson for the department said. BothLopez and Sanchez were placed under arrest. An additional passenger of the truck, 56-year-old Jesus Chacon of Reedley, was also arrested for outstanding warrants related to drug possession and battery.
"The Tulare County Sheriff's Office will be pursuing additional criminal charges against Lopez and Vargas due to the theft occurring within its jurisdiction," the department shared.
Anyone with further information on this case or a related case is asked to contact Sheriff’s Detective North at (559) 600-8150 or email agcrimes@fresnosheriff.org or contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org
You will remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward. Reference case # 26-7616
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