FRESNO -  Fresno County Sheriff's detectives with the Ag Task Force have arrested 35-year-old Salvador Silva Valdovinos of Huron. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on numerous charges, including grand theft and possession of narcotics.  His bail is set at $32,500.

Over the past two weeks, several copper wire thefts have been reported at a facility in western Fresno County.  Ag Task Force detectives were assigned to the investigation and identified a vehicle involved in the crimes.  Detectives located the gray 2024 Ford Ranger pickup truck and contacted the driver, Salvador Silva Valdovinos, at a mini-storage facility in Lemoore.  

A search warrant was executed on the pickup and a storage unit.  Detectives discovered more than 1,000 lbs. of copper wire and high voltage electrical panel components.  The wire was matched to the one installed at the facility where the theft reports originated.  Additionally, detectives seized a little more than half a pound of methamphetamine.

The thefts met the criteria for violations of the Fresno County Scrap Metal Ordinance, enacted in May of 2025.  The ordinance states that anyone in possession of copper wire six gauge or larger must present proof of a valid business license.  Salvador Silva Valdovinos did not have such proof.

Although an arrest has been made, anyone with further information about Salvador Silva Valdovinos is asked to contact the Ag Task Force at (559) 600-8150.  You may also contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.  Reference case #25-11309.