Kern County Authorities Arrest Four in Copper Wire Theft Investigation
KERN COUNTY, CA — “On April 1, 2026, Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crimes Investigation Unit, Lamont deputies, assisted by KERNCATT, Kern County Probation, and Code Compliance, served a search warrant in the 10200 block of South Vineland Road in Bakersfield as part of a copper wire theft investigation.
During the service of the search warrant detectives contacted RODOLFO JUAREZ, MARICELA CRUZ, RENE GUTIERREZ CORTEZ, and EMILY YASNIA. During a search of the property detectives located approximately 200 pounds of stolen commercial-grade copper wire, burglary tools, and an active illegal marijuana grow.
The Lamont, Arvin, and Tejon response areas have seen a significant increase in copper wire related thefts. The copper wire located during the service of the search warrant was consistent with the type of wire that has been reported stolen from the surrounding areas.
The following subjects were arrested for the following offenses:
RENE GUTIERREZ CORTEZ for a violation of PC 496A(A) possession of stolen copper wire and PC 182(A)(1) conspiracy.
EMILY YASNIA for a violation of PC 496A(A) possession of stolen copper wire, PC 466 possession of burglary tools, and PC 182(A)(1) conspiracy.
RODOLFO JUAREZ for a violation of PC 496A(A) possession of stolen copper wire, PC 466 possession of burglary tools, and PC 182(A)(1) conspiracy.
MARICELA CRUZ was arrested for a violation of HS 11377 possession of methamphetamine and HS 11395 possession of a controlled substance with priors arrests for possession of controlled substances.
All subjects were transported and booked into the Kern County Jail.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call 661-861-3110, or the Secret Witness Hotline at (661)322-4040.”
