Coordinated enforcement sweep targets string of agricultural chemical burglaries across Madera County

In a significant win for the region’s farming community, law enforcement officers from multiple Central Valley agencies converged on June 4, 2026, to execute Operation Round Up, a carefully coordinated enforcement action designed to dismantle a network of suspects responsible for a series of agricultural chemical burglaries throughout Madera County.

The operation was spearheaded by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Detectives. Investigators served three search warrants and two arrest warrants at locations in Mendota, Firebaugh, and the Riverdale area.

Significant Recovery of Stolen Property

As a result of the operation, investigators recovered approximately $150,000 worth of stolen agricultural chemicals, a substantial haul that underscores the scale of the criminal activity targeting local farms. In addition to the chemicals, a firearm and a flare gun were also seized during the searches, pointing to the potentially dangerous nature of those involved.

Four Individuals Booked Into Madera County Jail

The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail following the operation:

• Alfredo Cervantes Ventura, 31, of Mendota
• David Carlos Hernandez, 44, of Firebaugh
• Mayra Rodriguez Aranda, 35, of Riverdale
• Roberto Ventura, 30, of Mendota

During the service of a warrant in Mendota, Alfredo Cervantes Ventura fled from his residence, jumped a fence, and unlawfully entered a nearby home in an attempt to evade officers. He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.

Investigation Ongoing

As of press time, authorities have not publicly released specific charges against the four individuals. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further updates have emerged since the initial arrests on June 4, 2026.

Why This Matters to Our Agricultural Community

Agricultural chemical theft is not a victimless crime. The loss of expensive pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can have an immediate and devastating financial impact on farmers who depend on these inputs to protect their crops and maintain their livelihoods. When thieves target ag supply facilities or farm storage, the ripple effects extend well beyond the initial loss, affecting crop yields, operational continuity, and the economic health of the broader farming community.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the agricultural community and holding those responsible for ag crimes accountable. As Sheriff Tyson Pogue’s office noted in its release: “Agriculture thefts have a significant impact on local farmers and businesses, and partnerships between regional law enforcement agencies are critical to the successful investigation and prosecution of these offenses.”

A Model of Regional Law Enforcement Partnership

Operation Round Up stands as a strong example of what coordinated regional law enforcement can accomplish. On behalf of Sheriff Tyson Pogue, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office extended its thanks to the following agencies for their partnership and assistance:

• Merced County Sheriff’s Office
• Firebaugh Police Department
• Mendota Police Department
• Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
• Tulare County Sheriff’s Office

 

The success of this operation reinforces the value of the Madera County Ag Crimes Unit, established in 1998 and staffed by dedicated detectives who investigate vandalism, machinery, metal, fuel, and chemical theft. Their work, conducted in close partnership with local Farm Bureau members and the farming community, remains essential to the safety and security of our region’s agricultural economy.

For more information, contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.