MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit arrested a Patterson man in connection with a series of copper wire thefts totaling more than $50,000, authorities said.
Detectives investigated ongoing thefts of copper wire throughout Monterey County and identified a suspect using surveillance cameras and Flock automated license plate readers. The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Filadelfo Osorio Diaz of Patterson. Detectives authored search warrants and conducted surveillance as part of the investigation.
On June 11, detectives contacted Diaz, who agreed to come in and speak with them. During an interview, Diaz admitted to the theft of copper wire from multiple agricultural properties in Monterey County and to other thefts in surrounding counties, according to authorities.
The estimated total loss associated with the thefts in Monterey County alone exceeds $50,000. Investigators said Diaz was recycling the stolen copper wire at metal recycling businesses in the Central Valley.
Diaz was booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple felony charges, including six counts of grand theft, six counts of vandalism, one count of burglary and one count of conspiracy. Bail was set at $20,000.
Monterey County’s agricultural industry produces billions of dollars in crops and livestock each year, making it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation and a critical driver of the local economy. Officials said when agricultural equipment is stolen, the impact extends beyond the value of the equipment itself, causing delays in planting and harvesting, disrupting business operations, increasing costs and affecting farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers.
“Recent arrests made by our detectives demonstrate our ongoing commitment to holding offenders accountable,” stated Sheriff Tina Nieto, “and sends a clear message that agricultural theft and fraud will not be tolerated in Monterey County.”
The Sheriff’s Office said the Agricultural Crimes Unit remains committed to protecting the agricultural community through proactive investigations and targeted enforcement efforts.
