February 12, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on February 6, 2026, deputies with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office took a report of 172 stolen beehives from an agricultural property in unincorporated Gustine. The stolen hives are vital to orchard pollination throughout the region.

Through cooperation among members of the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force—of which the Merced County Sheriff’s Office is a participating agency—investigators developed information regarding the possible location of the stolen property. On February 10, 2026, deputies with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office located the stolen bee boxes within their jurisdiction and conducted surveillance.

During the surveillance operation, a suspect returned to the location and was observed attempting to alter and conceal the ownership information branded on the boxes. Deputies arrested 46-year-old Leonid Terzi of Sacramento for Grand Theft and Possession of Stolen Property. He was subsequently booked into the Yolo County Jail.

The stolen beehives were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and our partners in the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force for their assistance in this investigation.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information may contact Detective Thomas Griffin at (209) 385-7472 or send an email to: SheriffTips@CountyofMerced.com.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office