Law enforcement in three counties, along with the California Highway Patrol, teamed up to bust a sophisticated ag theft ring resulting in the recovery of $354,000 in stolen pistachios and trailers.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest Wednesday of Bhavna Singh Sekon, 23.

The scheme included stealing a trucking company’s identity, two tractor-trailers from a Fresno business, and pistachios valued at nearly $300,000.

Theft Ring Got Contract to Deliver Pistachios

Appearing to be a legitimate trucking company, ring members secured a deal to deliver two loads of pistachios for Setton Pistachio in Terra Bella, detectives say. The fraudsters drove away, removed the company’s packaging, and later sold the pistachios to a buyer in Madera County.

Because the trailers had real-time GPS, detectives tracked down Sekon, the pistachios, and trailers. Detectives booked him into the Tulare County jail on charges of grand theft, looting, identity theft, and conspiracy.

The Fresno County and Madera County sheriff’s offices, the Fresno Police Department, and CHP assisted Tulare County detectives in the investigation.

All together, detectives recovered $294,000 in pistachios and the two trailers valued at $60,000.

Do You Have Info About This Case?

Anyone with tips on this case should contact Tulare County detective Bryan De Haan or Sgt. Bryan Clower, (800) 808-0488. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can email tcso@tipnow.com, or text or voicemail (559) 725-4194.

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