Men arrested after $50,000 worth of cheese stolen, police say

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. — Two California men were arrested for their roles in a long-running cheese theft ring that spanned multiple counties and went on for at least two years, investigators said.

>> Read more trending news

Officials with Leprino Foods started an investigation Aug. 22 after noticing $50,000 worth of cheese missing, KTLA reported.

Investigators learned cheese had been stolen since 2017. It was then sold online, door-to-door and at flea markets throughout Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Riverside counties, officials said.

Investigators identified a wide network of people involved and served warrants in Tulare and Kings counties where they recovered a large amount of stolen cheese and made two arrests.

Investigators believe the cheese was taken by Roderick Ransom, 34, who works at the plant. Ransom was arrested and charged with grand theft and embezzlement, police said.

Jairo Alvarez, 24, was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.

There could be other arrests.

Leprino is one of the world's largest cheese distributors with nearly $3 billion worth of mozzarella sales yearly, Forbes reported.

Cox Media Group