Tulare County Sheriff’s Detectives Arrest Suspect in $500,000 Fencing Operation
TULARE, CA – On July 20, 2026, detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37-year-old Joshua Mendoza in connection with an alleged fencing operation involving stolen property. The arrest followed a three-month investigation into the unauthorized acquisition and distribution of recycled materials.
According to sheriff’s detectives, Mendoza purchased raw materials from individuals while aware that the property had been stolen. Investigators stated that Mendoza then transported the items throughout California to sell and recycle for financial gain.
During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained financial records and receipts indicating that Mendoza had recycled more than $500,000 worth of material over a seven-month period. To date, law enforcement officials have confirmed that approximately $50,000 of the total recycled inventory consists of verified stolen property.
Mendoza was taken into custody without incident as the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact department investigators or submit an anonymous tip through the TipNow hotline.
