Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives assigned to the Agricultural Crimes Task Force have arrested three men in connection with the theft of thousands of pounds of peaches from a Tulare County farm, authorities said.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said Francisco Lopez, 54, of Reedley and Josue Vargas, 46, of Orange Cove were arrested for felony grand theft of farm crops.

Vargas also faces additional charges related to DUI warrants. Lopez’s bail was set at $10,000, while Vargas’ total bail was set at $50,000. An additional suspect, Jesus Chacon, 56, of Reedley, was also arrested on outstanding warrants for drug possession and battery.

On Monday, detectives developed information about a suspect vehicle tied to ongoing stone fruit thefts in Fresno and Tulare counties. Detectives worked with patrol deputies and Reedley Police officers to locate the vehicle.

Later that night, a deputy stopped a pickup truck towing a trailer at Kamm Avenue and Road 56 near Dinuba. The trailer contained about 2,000 pounds of Pink Moon peaches valued at $8,500. Detectives determined the fruit had been stolen Sunday from a Tulare County farm.

Authorities said Lopez and Sanchez were placed under arrest, and the case remains under investigation. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office will pursue additional charges due to the theft occurring within its jurisdiction.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sheriff’s Detective North at (559) 600-8150, email agcrimes@fresnosheriff.org, or contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Reference case #26-7616.

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