In December 2016, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were called to the Tule River Reservation for a report of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor under 14. As a result of the investigation, a $250,000 warrant was issued for 40-year-old Buddy Joe Sabedra of Porterville in November of 2017.

On April 26, 2019, Detectives with the Sheriff’s Department CATTCH Unit conducted an investigation into Sabedra and found out he was possibly in the San Diego area. Detectives then requested help from the US Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. As a result, surveillance was conducted and Buddy Sabedra was found and arrested in the 4700 block of Wilson Street, San Diego. He was booked into the San Diego County jail and will be extradited back to Tulare County.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department and CATTCH Unit would like to thank the United States Marshals Office for their help in catching Sabedra.

This case remains under investigation and anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of wanted fugitives is encouraged to call Sergeant Steve Sanchez with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218. Or anonymous information about this incident can be reported via Tipnow email:tcso@tipnow.net text or voicemail at 559-725-4194 or download the Tipnow app for Android or Apple phones.