On July 1, 2024, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) AG Unit Detectives were notified of a theft of chemicals from a local farmer in the Strathmore/Lindsay area. AG Detectives began an investigation and identified a vehicle seen on surveillance video parked at a home in Strathmore. Through their investigation, Detectives discovered that 41-year-old Elijio Ceballos was driving the vehicle at the time of the chemical theft.
A search warrant was served at the Strathmore residence, where Detectives found the stolen chemicals along with several thousand dollars’ worth of other stolen agricultural items. During the search, Detectives also discovered a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition. As Ceballos is a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. He was subsequently booked at the South County Detention Facility on charges of Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
The TCSO encourages anyone with additional information to contact Sergeant Joe Armstrong or Detective Dustin Thompson at (559) 733-6218. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.
