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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File # C222270012

Details:

On Monday, August 15, 2022, at 4:25 PM Thermal Station deputies responded to a report of diesel fuel being stolen from the Mecca Travel Center. When deputies arrived, they contacted two males who matched the description provided by the reporting party. When they were contacted, the males were found pumping diesel fuel into a large fuel storage tank on the bed of a truck. The investigation found the males had manipulated the fuel pump mechanism which allowed them to pump fuel without paying for it. The tank was discovered half full and the males had pumped approximately 470 gallons of fuel, worth $2,716. Pablo Jose Huertas Ochaeta, a 35-year old resident of Los Angeles and Eliseo Laglera, a 21-year old resident of Huntington Park were arrested for the theft. They were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for grand theft and conspiracy. A bail enhancement was requested and approved for $250,000.

It is believed the subjects are part of a larger theft ring and anyone with additional information regarding these types of thefts is encouraged to contact Deputy Pasch or Deputy Zazueta of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at 760-863-8990.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Theft of Diesel Fuel Arrest appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.