Two jailed in Selma theft of farm chemicals

Two men were arrested for allegedly stealing $1,000 worth of agricultural chemicals in Selma July 15.

Fresno County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a break-in at a storage shed in the 15500 block of South Highland Avenue when they discovered that the chemicals, consisting of weed and pest sprays, had been stolen.

The investigation led deputies to a nearby address in the 14900 block of South Highland Avenue where they found Joseph Turner, 32, of Riverdale. Turner was staying at the home while working for the property owner. He had three outstanding felony warrants.

A search of the home revealed the chemicals still in the manufacturer’s boxes.

During the search Eddie Gomez, 34, of Caruthers, drove up to the house. He was arrested when deputies learned that he was involved in the robbery as well.

Turner and Gomez allegedly planned to sell the chemicals for cash on the black market. The chemicals have since been returned to their owner.

Both men were booked into the Fresno County Jail on felony allegations of burglary and possession of stolen property. They are currently under post-release community supervision under the state’s prison realignment program.

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Two jailed in Selma theft of farm chemicals."