(Sheriff's Office arrests a group)....15 Suspects were taken into custody.

All 15 appear to be connected. Investigators were reviewing several incidents involving thefts from agricultural businesses in Imperial County. They began seeing similarities. An intensive investigation began in March. Following several leads, investigators say it was determined the suspects would steal items and then sell them in order to purchase illegal narcotics. The trail led them from Imperial County and into Mexicali. They announced recently the arrest of 15. Investigators seized over $200,000 in stolen items and even a stash of child pornography. Some of the stolen items recovered dated back two years. The suspects were booked into County Jail