The Merced County Sheriff’s Office recovered 172 stolen beehives and arrested a Sacramento man after an investigation that began with a theft report from an agricultural property in unincorporated Gustine, authorities said.

The sheriff’s office said deputies took the report on Friday. The hives are vital to orchard pollination throughout the region, authorities said.

Working with the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force, investigators developed information about the possible location of the stolen property, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

On Tuesday, deputies with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office located the bee boxes within their jurisdiction and conducted surveillance, authorities said.

During the operation, a suspect returned to the location and was seen attempting to alter and conceal the ownership information branded on the boxes, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies arrested Leonid Terzi, 46, of Sacramento on suspicion of grand theft and possession of stolen property. He was booked into the Yolo County Jail.

The beehives were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner, authorities said.

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The Merced County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and partners in the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force for their assistance.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Thomas Griffin at (209) 385-7472 or email SheriffTips@CountyofMerced.com.

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