City groundskeeper charged with 4 felonies
A criminal complaint has been filed against a grounds maintenance supervisor who has worked for the city of Yuma for 19 years, charging him with four felonies.
Hector Valenzuela, 42, who allegedly had stolen fuel and lawn and garden supplies, was charged with two counts of theft, one count of trafficking in stolen property, and one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, for allgedly obtaining gas for personel use.
Valenzuela, who is out of custody after paying a $10,000 bond, is being represented by attorney Richard Edgar. His next court date is a preliminary hearing scheduled for 4 p.m. on Nov. 5.
According to Yuma police, after a monthlong investigation, the Yuma Police Department Investigations Bureau served a search warrant at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at Valenzuela's home, which is located at 795 W. Jacobs St. in Somerton.
The investigation was based on video surveillance that showedValenzuela 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.
Valenzuela was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on suspected fraud schemes, trafficking in stolen property and theft.
YPD asks anyone with information to call 373-4700, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.
