Local
Real-Time GPS Leads Detectives to Tulare County Pistachio Thief
Law enforcement in three counties, along with the California Highway Patrol, teamed up to bust a sophisticated ag theft ring resulting in the recovery of $354,000 in stolen pistachios and trailers.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest Wednesday of Bhavna Singh Sekon, 23.
The scheme included stealing a trucking company’s identity, two tractor-trailers from a Fresno business, and pistachios valued at nearly $300,000.
— Bhavna Singh Sekon
Theft Ring Got Contract to Deliver Pistachios
Appearing to be a legitimate trucking company, ring members secured a deal to deliver two loads of pistachios for Setton Pistachio in Terra Bella, detectives say. The fraudsters drove away, removed the company’s packaging, and later sold the pistachios to a buyer in Madera County.
Because the trailers had real-time GPS, detectives tracked down Sekon, the pistachios, and trailers. Detectives booked him into the Tulare County jail on charges of grand theft, looting, identity theft, and conspiracy.
[rlic_related_post_one]The Fresno County and Madera County sheriff’s offices, the Fresno Police Department, and CHP assisted Tulare County detectives in the investigation.
All together, detectives recovered $294,000 in pistachios and the two trailers valued at $60,000.
Do You Have Info About This Case?
Anyone with tips on this case should contact Tulare County detective Bryan De Haan or Sgt. Bryan Clower, (800) 808-0488. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can email tcso@tipnow.com, or text or voicemail (559) 725-4194.
[rlic_related_post_two].
