Detectives Recover Over $1.2 Million Dollars of Stolen Property, Need Community Assistance in Locating Outstanding Suspect 

March 12, 2025 – Fresno Police Department officials report that they investigated three burglaries at a business near Pontiac Way and Winery Avenue from December 2024 through February 2025. The investigations revealed that the suspects came to Fresno from the cities of Oakland and Richmond to commit the crimes.

On February 18, 2024, Fresno Police Department detectives traveled to Oakland and Richmond, California to serve five search warrants related to the three burglaries. Detectives were assisted by the Richmond Police Department, the United States Marshall’s Service, and the California Highway Patrol Organized Retail Crimes Task Force-Golden Gate Division.

Approximately $1.2 million dollars of stolen property was recovered at one of the search warrant locations. The recovered stolen property included property taken from the business at Pontiac Way and Winery Avenue, as well as illegally purchased tobacco products purchased out of state. Detectives also seized $400,000.

Detectives are asking the community for help in locating 25-year-old Julio Merino, who has been identified as a suspect in this case. Merino is wanted for several charges including stolen vehicle, grand theft, burglary, possession of stolen property, vandalism, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Source & photos: Fresno Police Department