Orange You Glad We Found Them? TCSO Detectives Track Down Citrus Thieves 

September 10, 2025 – Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials report that just before 4:15 p.m. on September 8, 2025, TCSO Deputies were called to orange groves near Avenue 228 and Road 203 for a report of someone stealing Valencia oranges.

Deputies followed tracks from the orchard to a home in the 20200 Block of Avenue 228 in Lindsay, where they detained five subjects. Detectives served a warrant at the home, where evidence related to the theft was found.

During a field show-up, witnesses identified 46-year-old Urbano Cabrera, 51-year-old Blas Mallan, and a 17-year-old boy as the suspects who were seen stealing oranges. Investigators also learned that two additional suspects, 30-year-old Rofino Contreras Catarino and 22-year-old Jose Catarino, drove up in a Chevrolet Silverado and began loading the stolen fruit.

The victim identified the oranges as the same size, variety, and ripeness as those stolen from his orchard, with an estimated value of $1,000.

All five suspects were arrested and taken in without incident. The suspect vehicle was towed, and the stolen property was recovered. During interviews with Detectives, several suspects admitted to their roles in the theft and provided information about additional citrus thefts in the area.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Sergeant J. Armstong or Detective E. Garcia with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559) 733-6218. Or, they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559)725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.

Source & photos: Tulare County Sheriff's Office