{"id":293476,"date":"2026-04-30T17:44:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/293476\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T17:44:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:44:09","slug":"ag-bonta-says-hell-rule-on-fresnos-copper-wire-theft-ordinance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/293476\/","title":{"rendered":"AG Bonta Says He’ll Rule on Fresno’s Copper Wire Theft Ordinance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Attorney General Rob Bonta\u2019s office told GV Wire Wednesday that he will issue long-awaited guidance on a copper wire theft ordinance passed in April 2025 by the city and county of Fresno, though his office would not say when.<\/p>\n

This comes after Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp went on KMJ radio\u2019s Ray Appleton program to defend her choice not to prosecute thefts using the ordinance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz says he has moved forward with prosecuting under the ordinance \u2014 with five cases and several others under investigation since it was passed last year \u2014 Smittcamp said on the program that convictions could be overturned under state law, possibly leaving the city or county liable for wrongful arrest lawsuits.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Janz told GV Wire that Bonta has not disputed the program that both he and Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni have called successful.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have received the request and accepted it,\u201d the AG\u2019s office told GV Wire. \u201cWe expect the Attorney General to issue an opinion addressing the question of whether Fresno County Ordinance No. 25-008 is preempted by state law but are unable to speak to timing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smittcamp told Appleton she expects a response by early summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m strongly in favor of the ordinance. I think it\u2019s fantastic, but we have to go through the procedure in order to abide by the law,\u201d Smittcamp said.<\/p>\n

City, County Could Be Liable: Smittcamp<\/p>\n

A sheriff\u2019s deputy told GV Wire last week they\u2019ve noticed a rise in copper wire theft, as have members of the ag community. In addition to well pumps, thieves are targeting solar farms.<\/p>\n

But while the district attorney\u2019s office will prosecute under other state laws, sheriff\u2019s deputies are turning to the city attorney to prosecute under the 2025 ordinance.<\/p>\n

In April 2025, county supervisors and the city council passed respective ordinances allowing law enforcement to seize copper from people carrying more than 10 pounds of the material and who can\u2019t prove they own it.<\/p>\n

Crafting the ordinance<\/a> brought together Fresno County supervisors, Fresno County Counsel, Fresno City councilmembers, and the Fresno City Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n

After GV Wire published a story about the decision, Smittcamp went on Appleton\u2019s program to point out a perceived shortcoming. She said that without backing by the state, local governments could be sued by people accused of copper wire theft.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s the potential for civil liabilities, right? Now you\u2019re looking at unlawful arrest, you\u2019re looking at a false imprisonment if somebody is taken to jail, you\u2019re looking at malicious prosecution,\u201d Smittcamp said. \u201cYou\u2019re looking at civil penalties that could potentially go to the city or the county if this (ordinance) is reversed.\u201d<\/p>\n

People Want Action Now: Janz<\/p>\n

Since the beginning of 2026, Smittcamp has received nine copper wire theft cases with four filed. She said she hasn\u2019t noticed a spike in the crime and that increases may be due to perception.<\/p>\n

Responding to questions from GV Wire, Janz said most cases of copper wire theft occur outside the city limits on land belonging to farmers, outside his jurisdiction. He said copper wire investigations can be time and labor intensive, but that none of the cases have been disputed.\u00a0 He added that prosecutors only bring cases that can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.<\/p>\n

And, while Smittcamp criticized Janz\u2019s close relationship with Bonta, the city attorney said, \u201cI don\u2019t see it being a negative to have a strong working relationship with the attorney general.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFarmers, small business owners, and voters don\u2019t care which government agency is working to tackle the copper wire problems, they just want the issue addressed,\u201d Janz said. \u201cI agree with Supervisor (Garry) Bredefeld that we can\u2019t wait for permission from Sacramento to fight crime. People want action now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\u202f<\/p>\n

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