Detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Agriculture Crimes Task Force have submitted petty theft charges against 52 year old Leopoldo Leon Zaragoza of Del Rey.
The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office is now reviewing the case.
On September 28th, deputies received a report of a fruit theft from an orchard located near E. Lincoln and S. McCall Avenues in Del Rey. The owner of a pomegranate orchard had evidence of a man stealing several pieces of fruit off his trees. Cameras attached to a mobile solar surveillance trailer positioned in the field recorded images of the suspect holding the pomegranates and filling several bags.
Ag Task Force detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Agriculture Crimes Task Force began an investigation. After reviewing the images of the suspect, detectives were able to identify him as Leopoldo Leon Zaragoza. He lived less than a mile away from the orchard.
The cameras that recorded the suspect committing this crime were instrumental in capturing the suspect in this case. The Sheriff’s Office encourages all farmers to implement surveillance systems wherever possible to help protect their property.
If you have further information about Leopoldo Leon Zaragoza, please contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Task Force at (559) 600-8150 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
