MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — A multiagency law enforcement operation targeting a string of agricultural chemical burglaries in Madera County led to four arrests and the recovery of about $150,000 in stolen chemicals, along with a firearm and a flare gun.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Detectives completed Operation Round Up on Thursday.
Investigators served three search warrants and two arrest warrants at locations in Mendota, Firebaugh, and the Riverdale area.
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Authorities arrested and booked the following people into the Madera County Jail: Alfredo Cervantes Ventura, 31; David Carlos Hernandez, 44; Mayra Rodriguez Aranda, 35; and Roberto Ventura, 30.
During the service of a warrant in Mendota, authorities said Alfredo Cervantes Ventura tried to run away, jumped a fence, and unlawfully entered a nearby residence in an attempt to escape.
He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to protecting the agricultural community and holding those responsible for agricultural crimes accountable, noting that agricultural thefts have a significant impact on local farmers and businesses and that partnerships between regional law enforcement agencies are critical to successful investigations and prosecutions.
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The sheriff’s office thanked the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Firebaugh Police Department, Mendota Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Tulare County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and assistance in the operation.