Location: 15000 block of Oscar Avenue, Visalia

Incident Date: 8/15/16

Incident Time: 0900 hours

Case Number: 16-10318, 16-10322

Victim: Michael Ruby, Mike Morris, Bill Slack, Sean Elium

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

On 08/15/16 at approximately 0900 hours, Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit received anonymous information through the TipNow phone line, regarding the possible location of stolen property. 

Based on the information provided, the Agricultural Crimes Unit responded to the 15000 Block of Oscar Avenue, in Visalia.  Detectives arrived and began their investigation.  Rickey Johnson was contacted at the reported residence.  Johnson was observed by Detectives working on a white enclosed trailer.  

After further investigation, Johnson was determined to have an active and confirmed felony warrant for various weapon violations.  The enclosed trailer had been reported stolen from the Ivanhoe area on 08/14/16. The trailer was found to contain numerous tools and irrigation equipment. 

A search of the property was conducted pursuant to a signed search warrant. An outdoor marijuana grow was located and eradicated. Detectives located various property items identified as stolen from multiple victims within Tulare County.  

Rickey Johnson was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, stolen vehicle, felon in possession of ammunition, cultivation of Marijuana and conspiracy. One more suspect is outstanding.

The recovery amount is approximately $12,000. This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes unit.

Anyone with more information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Jones at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office via telephone at 1-800-808-0488 or anonymously through the TipNow program at tcso@tipnow.com or by text or voicemail at 559-725-4194.