Monterey County Sheriff's Ag Crimes Detectives Arrest Subject on June 11 for Over $50,000 in Copper Wire Thefts

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit has been investigating a series of ongoing

copper wire thefts throughout Monterey County. During the investigation, detectives identified a suspect

using surveillance cameras and Flock automated license plate readers. The suspect was identified as 30-year-

old, Filadelfo Osorio Diaz, of Patterson. Detectives authored search warrants and conducted surveillance as

part of the investigation.

On June 11, 2026, detectives contacted Diaz who agreed to come in and speak to them. During an interview,

Diaz admitted to the theft of copper wire from multiple agricultural properties in Monterey County and other

thefts in surrounding counties.

The estimated total loss associated with the thefts in Monterey County alone exceeds $50,000. Diaz was

recycling the stolen copper wire at metal recycling businesses in the Central Valley.

Diaz was taken into custody and booked into the Monterey County Jail for multiple felony violations

including:

6 counts of 487(a)PC – Grand theft; 6 counts 594(a)(2) PC – Vandalism; 1 count of 459 PC – Burglary

1 count of 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy

Bail is set at $20,000

Monterey County's agricultural industry produces billions of dollars in crops and livestock each year, making

it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation and a critical driver of the local economy.

When agricultural equipment is stolen, the impact extends far beyond the value of the equipment itself. These

crimes can delay planting and harvesting operations, disrupt business activities, increase operating costs, and

negatively affect the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who depend on the industry.

Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Recent arrests made by our detectives demonstrate our ongoing commitment to

holding offenders accountable and sends a clear message that agricultural theft and fraud will not be tolerated

in Monterey County.”

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Crimes Unit remains committed to protecting our

agricultural community through proactive investigations and targeted enforcement efforts.

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