Five people have been arrested in connection with the theft of approximately 500 bronze vases from a Fresno County cemetery over a four-month period, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Ag Task Force arrested four men and one woman following a series of theft reports from Fresno Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Highway 180 and Cornelia Avenue.

The Sheriff’s Office identified those arrested as Anthony Renteria, 50, Jack Dailey, 41, Kyle Borboa, 39, Timothy Neitzel, 36, and Dusty Clowers, 26, all from Fresno.

From the beginning of April through the end of July, the Sheriff’s Office received numerous reports of bronze vases being stolen from the cemetery. Family members use the vases to leave flowers at headstones and monuments for loved ones, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Because investigators believed the bronze was likely being recycled for money, detectives with the Ag Task Force took over the investigation. Detectives developed information about possible suspects and worked with the Fresno County Adult Compliance Team, which focuses on probation enforcement, to locate and arrest the five people believed to be responsible, the Sheriff’s Office said.

None of the stolen vases were recovered.

Investigators estimate the approximately 500 stolen vases had a combined retail value of more than $40,000. Based on current market rates, detectives estimate about $15,000 was made by recycling the bronze.

Got a Tip?

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains open to additional information.

Anyone with information about the suspects can contact the Sheriff’s Ag Task Force at (559) 600-8150. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at valleycrimestoppers.org. The case number is 26-8610.

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