MADERA COUNTY — An investigation by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of two Fairmead residents and the recovery of approximately $80,000 worth of stolen property connected to a string of 13 commercial burglaries across the county.

Investigation Uncovers Crime Pattern

Madera County Sheriff’s Office

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Investigations Unit identified key similarities among a series of break-ins. These connections revealed a larger crime pattern that ultimately connected the cases. Working alongside MADSET and MADNET task force members, MCSO executed several search warrants that led to the arrests and the recovery of stolen goods.

The recovered property includes one stolen pickup truck, three Vespa scooters, and five pickup truckloads of various stolen items, all worth approximately $80,000. The Sheriff’s Office has already returned many items to their rightful owners.

Moreover, authorities arrested 38-year-old Cody McGinnis and 45-year-old Luis Velasco on multiple felony charges. McGinnis faces burglary, vehicle theft, and possession of stolen property. Velasco faces charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy, and receiving stolen goods.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue praised the persistence of his investigation team and issued a warning to others considering similar crimes:

Sheriff Tyson Pogue

“Those who think they can prey on our communities and get away with it should think again. Our investigators put in the hard work to follow the evidence, track down the suspects, and recover thousands in stolen property,” Sheriff Pogue said.

He continues, “This kind of criminal activity won’t be tolerated in Madera County.”

The case remains active as detectives process evidence and coordinate with victims.