Stolen property located after traffic stop arrest

On Wednesday, June 26, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a high risk traffic stop on a reportedly stolen vehicle.

Derek Roth and Benjamin Lerwill were arrested on several charges, including vehicle theft and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

In a follow-up investigation, deputies searched Roth’s home on Arroyo Seco Road in Greenfield. During the search, deputies found over $20,000 in stolen property, including hand tools, power tools, and electronics.

Deputies believe the stolen items are related to a string of storage locker burglaries in Greenfield and other parts of southern Monterey County. So far only one victim has been identified, but deputies are working to identify others.

If you have any information related to the burglaries, or think you may have been victim, you can contact Deputy Wise or Sclimenti at the South County station: 831-385-8312. Use the reference case number 14-04089.