BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Wasco man was arrested after he was accused of operating as an unlicensed recycler, recycled over 3,200 pounds of copper wire, and was found with stolen copper wire. KCSO said the investigation came due to a significant increase in copper wire thefts from agricultural equipment around Kern County.
The suspect was identified as 50-year-old Agustin Ramirez Ayala of Wasco.
KCSO said on March 26, 2026, detectives found Ramirez Ayala in the 3800 block of Rosedale Highway.
Ramirez Ayala was in possession of about 175 pounds of stolen copper wire, according to KCSO. KCSO said further investigation found that Ramirez Ayala had been operating as an unlicensed recycler and had recycled over 3,200 pounds of copper wire within the past two months.
Ramirez Ayala was arrested for operating as a recycler without a license and other related offenses.
He was subsequently booked into the Kern County Jail.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.