Bay Area man wanted after $1.2M found in Fresno burglaries investigation

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A Bay Area antheral is sought aft detectives recovered much than $1.2 cardinal of stolen spot amid an probe into 3 burglaries successful Fresno, the Fresno Police Department announced Tuesday.

Police accidental they conducted an probe into 3 burglaries astatine a concern adjacent Pontiac Way and Winery Avenue from December 2024 done February 2025. Investigators recovered the suspects came to Fresno from Oakland and Richmond.

On Feb. 18, detectives made their mode to Oakland and Richmond, wherever they accidental they served 5 hunt warrants related to the burglaries with the assistance of Richmond police, the U.S. Marshall’s Service, and the CHP Organized Retail Crimes Task Force-Golden Gate Division.

At 1 of the hunt warrant locations, investigators reported astir $1.2 cardinal of stolen spot was recovered, including spot taken from the Fresno business. Additionally, illegally purchased baccy products from retired of authorities were recovered and $400,000 was seized.

Detectives person identified 1 suspect, 25-year-old Julio Merino, who is wanted connected suspicion of several charges, including stolen vehicle, expansive theft, burglary, possession of stolen property, vandalism, and conspiracy to perpetrate a crime.