Porterville Police Arrest Two Suspects in Home Depot Embezzlement Case
PORTERVILLE, CA —
“Date: February 20, 2025
Locations:
1300 block of North Lime Street, Porterville
Sub-100 block of West Laurel Avenue, Porterville
Suspects:
Jayme Hernandez, 34-year-old, Porterville resident
Jaime Hernandez, 63-year-old, Porterville resident
Summary:
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Porterville Police Department officers responded to Home Depot, located at 700 South Jaye Street, regarding an internal investigation into an employee suspected of fraudulent transactions. Asset Protection personnel reported that Jayme Hernandez, a cashier, had been intentionally voiding items at the register, allowing a customer, later identified as his father, Jaime Hernandez, to take merchandise without paying the full price.
A corporate audit flagged the suspicious activity, revealing that Jayme had conducted fraudulent transactions over several months, resulting in an estimated loss of more than $4,000. Asset Protection investigators determined that the stolen items included construction materials, power tools, and other supplies. During an interview with Asset Protection investigators, Jayme admitted to the scheme.
On February 20, 2025, Porterville Police Department detectives assumed control of the investigation. Detectives responded to Jaime’s residence, located in the 1300 block of North Lime Street, where they located Jaime and Jayme. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Detectives authored a search warrant for both suspects’ residences. The search warrant was endorsed by a Superior Court Judge and during the search at both residences, detectives recovered stolen property which was released to Home Depot representatives.
Jayme Hernandez was booked into the South County Detention Facility for Embezzlement, Burglary, and Conspiracy. He is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Jaime Hernandez was booked into the South County Detention Facility for Possession of Stolen Property, Burglary, and Conspiracy. He is being held in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or through our departmental Facebook or Instagram page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.”
