Franklin County sees increase in agricultural thefts

Deputies arrest two

July 15, 2026

By: Katherine Trowbridge

Franklin County is seeing an increase in agricultural thefts. Over the past several weeks, there have been multiple cases involving the theft of brass sprinklers from irrigation equipment.

Brass may be a relativley low value item, yet the impact to area farmers is significant, often resulting in thousands of dollars in replacement costs.

Franklin County Sheriff's Deputies have been investigating these cases and on Tuesday, July 14 were successful in aprehending two suspects.

Deputies had responded to Crestloch Lane in rural Franklin County in reference to a theft case. According to a press release, "On arrival, deputies discovered one person had been seen actively removing sprinklers from irrigation equipment. There was another man who drove away at a high rate of speed."

Deputies aprehended the man on scene, identified as 47-year old Rafael Alvaraz-Meraz. Deputies also, later, located the fleeing vehicle and the other suspect, identified as 46-year old Roberto Chavez Duenas.

Both were booked into the Franklin County Correctional Center on Felony theft and trespass charges.

"The Sheriff's office will continue to investigate these and all criminal violations thoroughly," stated Undersheriff Monty Huber, "Crimes of this nature will never be tolerated."

Huber encouraged, "If you see suspicious activity, report it."

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Detective Garner at 509-545-3501 or 509-628-0333 and reference case 26-9306.