SOLEDAD — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit has arrested a Soledad man in connection with a series of diesel fuel thefts across Monterey County.
Detectives with the Agricultural Crimes Unit investigated the ongoing thefts by installing surveillance cameras at known fuel theft locations, eventually identifying the suspect as 49-year-old Pedro Martinez of Soledad.
On May 24, detectives observed Martinez leaving a vineyard in Soledad shortly after a fuel theft, according to authorities. During the investigation, Martinez admitted to stealing more than 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel from multiple agricultural properties over an extended period of time. Investigators estimate the total loss exceeds $10,000.
Detectives recovered Martinez’s truck and fuel tank, which were seized and booked into evidence.
Martinez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on three counts of grand theft, one count of attempted grand theft and four counts of trespassing.
“Agricultural thefts have a direct impact on the farmers, businesses and community members who help drive Monterey County’s economy. We remain committed to aggressively investigating these crimes, working closely with our allied partners and arresting those responsible,” stated Sheriff Tina Nieto in a news release Tuesday.
