Press Release: MCSO Ag Crimes Detectives Serve Search Warrant, Arrest Subject For Possession of Stolen Ag Equipment

DATE/TIME: 11/26/2025 at 5:25 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Ag Crime Detectives Arrest Subject for Possession of Stolen Ag Equipment During Execution of Search Warrant

LOCATION: 2000 block San Miguel Canyon Road, Prunedale, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

On October 22, 2025, deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 300-block of Espinoza Road in Salinas following a report of an abandoned vehicle and suspected theft of agricultural property.

Deputies located a 2015 BMW X1 stuck in a field, which was later confirmed to have been stolen out of a nearby jurisdiction. During the course of the investigation, deputies discovered that multiple pieces of farming equipment and several tractors on the property had been moved, resulting in extensive damage to both the machinery and growing crops.

Through continued efforts of Monterey County Sheriff’s Ag Crimes Unit detectives, Joel Ramos Gaona was identified as the primary suspect.

On November 26, 2025, investigators contacted Mr. Gaona at his residence in the 2000-block of San Miguel Canyon Road in Prunedale while executing a search warrant. A search of the property led to the recovery of several stolen items. Mr. Gaona was subsequently arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, felony grand theft, and felony vandalism.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Ag Crimes Unit at 831-755-3805 and request to speak with Detective J. Reyes.