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Tulare County Authorities Arrest Woman Accused of Stealing $1,500 in Grapes
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 1 hour ago on
September 2, 2026

Tulare County sheriff’s detectives arrested Elena Meras after investigators said more than $1,500 worth of grapes were stolen from a vineyard near Dinuba. (Tulare County SO)

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A woman was arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $1,500 worth of grapes from a vineyard near Dinuba, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit began investigating July 22 after a farmer caught the theft in progress and photographed the suspect and the vehicle she used to leave the vineyard.

Detectives used the photographs to identify the suspect as Elena Meras, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said a distinctive tattoo provided an additional identifying detail.

Meras was later arrested and booked on a felony charge of grand theft of fruit.

Officials encouraged farmers and ranchers to use surveillance and document suspicious activity that could assist investigators.

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.
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