MARIPOSA, CA – For the past several months, residents in the Greeley Hill area have been terrorized by a string of residential burglaries, resulting in the theft of tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of property. Deputies and investigators with the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office have been diligently investigating these burglaries, noting similar methods of operation and taking proactive steps to identify those responsible.
While these burglary investigations were ongoing, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (M.E.T.) executed a marijuana cultivation search warrant in Greeley Hill on July 22, 2025, resulting in the eradication of 3,870 plants and one arrest. A follow-up warrant in Ceres, California, on July 27, 2025, led to the seizure of processed marijuana, $15,680 in cash, six firearms, and another arrest.
Through these two-marijuana cultivation and sales investigations, deputies and investigators were able to develop new leads connected to the ongoing North County burglaries. These leads established probable cause for multiple search warrants targeting properties in the Greeley Hill area.
On September 29, 2025, those search warrants were executed by members of the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, Mariposa County Probation, and CAL FIRE Prevention. The operation led to the recovery of numerous items suspected to be stolen from both Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties, 43 firearms (some stolen), over a thousand rounds of ammunition, half an ounce of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia consistent with sales, resulting in three felony arrests.
The investigations remain ongoing as investigators continue to identify additional suspects connected to these crimes. These investigations highlight how crimes such as illegal marijuana cultivation, drug sales, and burglaries often overlap within criminal networks. The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community for its continued support and assistance as we work together to keep our community safe.
If you have any information about these burglaries or other criminal activity please contact our office at 209-966-3615 or you can send us an anonymous tip using the Mariposa County Sheriff App (downloads available in the google play store and the apple app store.)
“This investigation shows the dedication of our deputies and investigators that are protecting the people of Mariposa County. What began as a series of burglaries and illegal marijuana grows, led to uncovering broader criminal activity involving drugs and firearms. By working tirelessly and with the support of our partner agencies and community, we were able to disrupt these criminal networks and recover stolen property that belongs to our residents and get guns out of criminal’s hands. Our commitment is clear, we will continue to pursue those who victimize our community and hold them accountable.” – Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese
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