October 28, 2025 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on the morning of October 11, 2025, a male and a female suspect stole several pumpkins grown by children attending St. Paul's School, located in the 2900 block of McKee Avenue in Merced. With the help of community members, our Detectives received several tips that led to the identity of the male suspect, Jose Manuel Castro, 47, from Livingston. Detectives issued an arrest warrant for Castro and on October 24, 2025, Castro was arrested by Merced Police Department Officers. Castro was booked into the Merced County Sheriff Office Jail on theft related charges. At this time, the female suspect in this incident has not been positively identified.
If you have any information related to this case or the female suspect's identity, please contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7547, email us at: Sherifftips@countyofmerced.com or message us on Facebook at Merced County Sheriff’s Office. All tips and information may remain anonymous.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public with your assistance in identifying one of the suspects and your continued support during this investigation!
Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff's Office