BAKERSFIELD, CA – A Kern County Sheriff’s Office operation in Taft led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of stolen materials following a rural crimes investigation earlier this week.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assigned to the Taft Substation, with support from the Rural Crimes Investigation Unit, served a search warrant on the 300 block of Tyler Street on October 30, 2025. Investigators reported finding a controlled substance, approximately 50 pounds of stolen copper wire, and more than 15 EBT cards during the search.
Authorities said Melissa Rodriguez, 39, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, and obtaining public aid through false statements or misrepresentation. She was booked into the Lerdo Jail following the operation.
Deputies said the search was part of an ongoing effort to address theft, narcotics, and fraud cases impacting Kern County’s rural communities. No additional suspects have been announced at this time, and the investigation remains active.
Residents in the area were reminded to report suspicious activity or potential theft to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office’s Rural Crimes Unit.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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