Photo: Corral, Delgado, T. Melendez, O. Melendez and Villa
A murder on October 23rd of 2018 spawned a seven-month investigation that lead to multiple arrests and the confiscation of 2,000 pounds of marijuana.
On 10/23/2018, Daniel Orta’s body was found in the area of Avenue 232 and Road 180 in Lindsay after reports of a shooting led detectives to this area. While searching for evidence in the area, detectives came across a large number of marijuana plants and 200 pounds of marijuana.
Through further investigation, 53-year old Sigi Corral was suspected as the leader of the organization responsible for the plants and several other fields throughout the Tulare area.
With sufficient evidence to grant them 12 search warrants, close to 50 detectives of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare Police Department, and Agents with the Department of Fish and Wildlife served the warrants on May 30th of 2019.
Five Tulare residents were arrested during the search: 53 year old Sigi Corral, 46-year-old Tomas Melendez, 37-year-old Jesus Delgado, 25-year-old Omar Melendez, and 25-year-old Miguel Villa. Each are charged with various drug offenses. Detectives also confiscated 13 guns, $38,000 in cash, 2,827 marijuana plants, and 2,000 pounds of processed marijuana.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this case and the murder of Daniel Orta. Information about either case can be anonymously communicated by calling 559-725-4194.
