On September 3, 2019, detectives with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit located a unique variety of grapes being sold on a local internet website. Local farms and vineyards have recently seen an increase of grape thefts due to the harvest season. Detectives contacted the farmer who grew the unique variety of grapes The farmer said they did not sell grapes on that internet website.
Detectives identified 22 year old Carlos Santiago from Bakersfield, CA. as the seller of the grapes. Detectives contacted Santiago in the 800 block of Roberts Lane in Bakersfield. During the investigation, detectives located Santiago in possession of the stolen grapes worth approximately $300.00. Santiago was arrested for violation of PC 487(B)(1)(A)- grand theft, and PC 496(a)- possession of stolen property. SANTIAGO was transported and booked into the Central Receiving Facility.
