Farm fuel is more than just another input expense, it’s what keeps tractors running, irrigation pumps operating, and harvest schedules on track. That’s why California authorities say the alleged theft of more than 500 gallons of agricultural diesel from local farms has consequences well beyond the value of the fuel itself.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested 55-year-old Andrew Roggero of El Nido on July 28 following a two-month investigation into diesel thefts reported by farming operations in Merced and Madera counties.
CBS47/KSEE24 reported investigators served multiple search warrants during the investigation before making the arrest. Authorities accuse Roggero stole more than 500 gallons of red-dyed diesel fuel from local farmers. The investigation remains active, and officials say additional charges or arrests are possible.
“Agricultural fuel thefts have a direct financial impact on local farmers and can disrupt critical farming operations,” the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The Drive noted the stolen fuel was red-dyed diesel, a tax-exempt fuel designated for off-road agricultural and industrial equipment. The dye distinguishes it from on-road diesel, which is subject to highway taxes.
While 500 gallons may not sound significant compared to large commodity shipments, it represents a substantial amount of fuel for many farms. The Drive also pointed out that stealing that volume would likely require specialized equipment and storage capacity.
For producers, the financial impact extends beyond replacing the fuel. An empty fuel tank can idle tractors, irrigation equipment, combines, and other essential machinery during critical field operations. Even brief interruptions during planting, irrigation, or harvest can affect labor schedules and crop management.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has not released details about how it thinks the fuel was removed, where it may have been stored, or whether investigators believe additional suspects were involved.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Bureau at 209-385-7472, the anonymous tip line at 209-385-7547, or email SheriffTips@countyofmerced.com.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not announced a complete list of charges.
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