Location: Various orchards in the Woodville area

Incident Date: 8/11/17-8/15/17

Case Number: 17-09876, 17-09833, 17-09845, 17-09850

Victim: Gary Bratcher, Serefin Farms, Gary Fernandez, Oppal Partners of Colorado

City: Woodville

Posted by: Media Relations

During an ongoing investigation of the above reported thefts of nearly 400 brass T-valve stems, Patrol Deputies from the Sheriff’s Porterville Substation located evidence at each crime scene, which determined the same individual likely committed the crimes.  

Detectives of the Tulare County Agriculture Crime Unit located additional evidence during the ongoing investigation that led to the identity of the suspect and a small recovery of some of the stolen brass T-valve stems, valued at $700.
  
On 08-31-2017 at about 8:15 am, Detectives from the Ag Crimes Unit located suspect Eric Vasquez, 34 years, in the Woodville area.  Detectives had also received cooperation from a local Recycler and during Vasquez’ arrest, he was in possession of property that linked him to the above committed thefts.  

Vasquez was later transported to a jail facility and booked without incident for three counts of Grand Theft and one count of Petty Theft.    

If you have any information related to this case, please contact Detective Nicholson (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.  Anonymous information about this crime can be reported via Tipnow, email: tcso@tipnow.net or download the Tipnow app for android or apple phones (559) 725-4194.