Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Thomas Anderson
File # Y230750017
Details:
On March 16, 2023, approximately 11:20 AM, deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Thermal Station responded to a business in the 48000 Block of Grapefruit Boulevard in the City of Coachella, to investigate a report of diesel fuel theft. During the investigation, it was determined approximately $30,000 of diesel fuel was stolen over a two-week period. Video surveillance cameras captured portions of the theft.
The Thermal Station’s Coachella Community Action Team (CCAT) assumed the investigation and positively identified two of the involved suspects as Gerardo Morales Baldenegro, a 40-year-old resident of Mecca, and Anthony Franco, a 42-year-old resident of Indio. On April 18, 2023, Gerardo was located in the 54000 block of Harrison Street in the unincorporated area of Thermal. Anthony was located in the 45000 block of Commerce Street in the city of Indio. Both subjects were taken into custody without incident and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for Burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Yadira Perez of the Thermal Station’s Coachella Community Action Team. (760) 863-8447. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341-7867.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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