NIPOMO — Two were arrested on felony grand theft charges after they were caught stealing avocados on a ranch in Nipomo. On July 11, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Sheriff’s Rural Crime Unit responded to a report of two men who were actively stealing avocados from a ranch in rural Nipomo.

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office, when Deputies arrived on scene, they were able to locate the suspects along with approximately 500 pounds of stolen avocados. The avocados were estimated to be worth between $3,000 to $5,000. Theft of avocados from this ranch have been an ongoing issue. 

The suspects were arrested and booked into County Jail. Wilson Carrero (38) of Santa Maria was arrested for felony grand theft along with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Baltazar Garcia (40) of Santa Maria was arrested for felony grand theft.

If you’ve been the victim of a rural crime contact the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781-4550.