At least $12,000 in tools stolen from Porterville home, 2 arrested, police say

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two people were arrested after police say one stole and the other tried to sell at least $12,000 in tools from a Porterville home.

The investigation started on Oct. 3, when a homeowner along East Mill Avenue in Porterville called in reporting the crime.

During the investigation, police say they found his stolen property posted online for sale in Tulare. The seller, identified as 40-year-old Tulare resident Monica Paniagua, was located and arrested on Oct. 9.

After obtaining a search warrant for her home on South Morrison Street, police say they found additional stolen property. They also say they learned the name of the man she had bought the items from: 42-year-old Adam Joseph Gomez.

Detectives arrived at his home on East Colleen Court with a search warrant. Gomez was not there, but police say they did find property taken during the burglary.

They confirmed he was responsible for the burglary and made a warrant out for his arrest. Gomez was taken into custody on Oct. 11 while officers were responding to an unrelated call.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department General Investigations Unit at 559-782-7400 or through their departmental Facebook or Instagram page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.