Man arrested for Ag-related thefts and gun possession in Tulare County

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A man has been arrested with several thousands of dollars worth of stolen Ag-related items following a chemical theft in Tulare County, Ag Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said.

On July 1, detectives say they were notified of a theft of chemicals from a local farmer near the Strathmore and Lindsey area.

During their investigation, deputies say they were able to track down a vehicle that was seen on surveillance video parked at a home in Strathmore.

Investigators say they later learned that 41-year-old Elijio Ceballos was driving the vehicle at the time of the theft.

Sheriff’s officials served a warrant at the home in Strathmore and say they found the stolen chemicals, as well as several thousands of dollars in other stolen Ag-related items.

During the search, detectives say they also found a 12 gauge shotgun and ammo. Officials with the TCSO say Ceballos is a convicted felon and was prohibited from having guns and ammunition.

According to officials, Ceballos was booked at the South County Detention Facility on suspicion of:

• Grand theft.
• Possession of stolen property.
• Felon in possession of a firearm.
• Felon in possession of ammunition.
• Possession of methamphetamine.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Sergeant Joe Armstrong or Detective Dustin Thompson 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 .

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