City grounds supervisor arrested in alleged theft

A grounds maintenance supervisor who has worked for the city of Yuma for 19 years has been arrested for allegedly stealing fuel and lawn and garden supplies.

According to Sgt. Leanne Worthen, after a monthlong investigation, the Yuma Police Department Investigations Bureau served a search warrant at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 795 W. Jacobs St. in Somerton in a case of suspected fraud and theft.

Worthen said video surveillance revealed that Hector Valenzuela, 42, had allegedly been stealing fuel and lawn and garden supplies from the city of Yuma, where he was employed.

Additional stolen property valued at about $23,000 was discovered and seized as evidence during the home search, Worthen said.

Valenzuela was arrested and booked into Yuma County Detention Center for suspected fraud schemes, trafficking in stolen property and theft.

YPD asks anyone with information to call 373-4700, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.