Ventura County Sheriff's Department

In September and October 2011, unknown suspects entered the private properties of several farms in the unincoproated areas of Camarillo and removed the steel poles and steel stakes used to construct Hoop Houses that cover raspberries grown on these farms. The estimated loss to these ranches was in excess of $99,000.00.

In all of these thefts, the material was stacked in a pile on the property for storage in preparation for the next growing season.

The Sheriff’s Agriculture Crimes Detective opened an investigation into these thefts and quickly determined that the same individuals committed all of the thefts. During the course of the investigation and following up on evidence found, the suspects were identified. Those suspects included Padilla and Jones who shared a residence in Oxnard.

On December 14, 2011, Ventura County Sheriff Patrol units responded to another farm in the unincorporated area of Ventura for a theft report where metal wire and posts were stolen. The equipment stolen is primarily used in the commercial production of flowers. The investigation determined the theft occurred the previous night.

Based on the circumstance in the theft at this location, detectives recognized the pattern of activity that had emerged in the other four thefts linking these suspects. Detectives responded to the Oxnard home of Padilla and observed stolen property from the Ventura location piled on the side of the house and inside a vehicle parked in front of the house.

Detectives made contact with the occupants of the home and arrested Padilla and Serna for suspicion of Grand Theft and Possession of Stolen Property as well as Conspiracy. Jones, who was serving sentence at the Main Jail, was also arrested for Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property and Conspiracy.

The investigation is continuing and further arrests are anticipated.

Report Number: RB# 11-28372
Location: Olivas Park Dr. and Victoria Ave. Ventura
Date & Time: December 15, 2011 @ 0700 AM
Unit Responsible: Major Crimes Agriculture Crimes Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Rudy Martin Padilla, Oxnard, 45
Stephen Jones, Oxnard, 39
Armando Serna, Oxnard, 37
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Steve Rhods
Media Release Date: December 15, 2011
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Ray Dominguez 805-477-7000
Approved by: Captain B. Kerr

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).