Detectives met with Lara and Valencia to inspect the avocados and then arrested them on suspicion of felony grand theft, felony possession of stolen property, and conspiracy. Not only did investigators confiscate the fruit, but they also received additional crates stolen from a Santa Paula market.Lara and Valencia were transported to Ventura County Jail. Lara was released, and Valencia was held on $35,000 bail.Residents are encouraged to provide tips on agricultural thefts by calling the VCSD Major Crimes Unit at 477-7029. If an obvious theft is in progress, VCSD urges people not to confront the suspects but rather to call 911 immediately.
VCSD: Two SP men arrested for suspicion of avocado theft
April 16, 2008
Santa Paula News
A little know law enforcement unit arrested two Santa Paulans on April 10 for suspicion of attempting to sell allegedly stolen avocados taken from area growers, according to a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department statement.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA little know law enforcement unit arrested two Santa Paulans on April 10 for suspicion of attempting to sell allegedly stolen avocados taken from area growers, according to a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department statement. Detectives from the VCSD Major Crimes and Agricultural Detail arrested Arthur Lara, 65, and Abraham Valencia, 21, at about 2 p.m. Thursday.Investigators allege that the two men had a small theft operation in which they stole avocadoes from ranches throughout the Santa Clara River Valley, and then looked for local buyers, including mom and pop markets and restaurants. A six-person VCSD surveillance team arranged to purchase avocadoes from Lara and Valencia, and after brief negotiations the suspects told detectives they had 120 pounds of fresh fruit.
