Reedley Grape Theft Suspects Arrested During Traffic Stop in Kingsburg

Agricultural detectives discovered nearly 500 pounds of stolen grapes during a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer around 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on social media Wednesday.

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Juan Benjamin Ventura, 47, and Dionicio Sandoval, 57, both of Reedley, were arrested and face multiple charges, including robbery and possession of stolen property, authorities said.

Deputies noticed the SUV contained several hundred pounds of unpackaged grapes and called the agriculture unit for assistance.

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Detectives determined the grapes had been taken from a field near 400 Avenue and Highway 84 the night before.

The estimated value of the stolen grapes is approximately $700.

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