Pomegranate Thief Caught on Camera in Fresno County

A man in Fresno County, California, has been apprehended on camera allegedly stealing a significant quantity of pomegranates from a private farm, authorities announced Thursday.

Leopoldo Leon Zaragoza, 52, of Del Rey, is accused of repeatedly visiting the farm throughout the week to harvest the fruit. Police estimate that between 150 and 200 pomegranates were taken.

Surveillance footage from a mobile solar trailer, provided to law enforcement by the farmer on September 28, shows Zaragoza carrying the fruit. According to police, Zaragoza, who lives less than a mile from the farm, confessed to the thefts after being contacted by authorities. He reportedly stated he only had about 20 pomegranates remaining.

While Zaragoza has not yet been arrested, three counts of petty theft have been submitted to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office for review. Tony Botti, Public Information Officer for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, described the incident as a "crime of convenience" and expressed confidence in the evidence, stating, "We know he did it. We have the evidence."

Botti noted that produce theft is a common occurrence in the area and encouraged farmers to implement security measures, such as surveillance cameras, to protect their crops. Pomegranates are considered a relatively expensive fruit, with USDA data from 2023 indicating a price of $2.48 per pound, higher than apples, pears, grapes, and oranges.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Task Force at (559) 600-8150.