Pasco Man Arrested for Copper Thefts at Central Washington Farms

Suspect caused $90,000 in damages across multiple agricultural operations

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a severed copper wire, capturing the stark, gritty details of the material and the dramatic lighting to conceptually illustrate the impact of these property crimes on the region's farms.A close-up view of the damage left behind by a recent wave of copper wire thefts targeting agricultural infrastructure across Central Washington.Pasco Today

A 35-year-old Pasco man named Ricardo Perez-Ventura has been arrested and charged with a range of crimes related to a months-long spree of copper wire thefts from irrigation systems and other infrastructure at farms across Franklin County in Central Washington. The thefts impacted scores of agricultural operations, primarily around the towns of Connell and Eltopia, causing an estimated $90,000 in total damages.

Why it matters

Copper theft from farms and agricultural facilities is an ongoing issue in rural areas, causing significant financial losses and disrupting critical infrastructure. This arrest highlights the coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat these property crimes that target the region's vital agricultural industry.

The details

According to investigators, Perez-Ventura was arrested on Thursday following a multi-agency investigation into the copper thefts. He has been charged with theft, attempted theft, malicious mischief, criminal trespassing, trafficking in stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance. The thefts primarily occurred in the areas around the towns of Connell and Eltopia, which were the hardest hit by the criminal activity.

  • The thefts occurred over a period of several months prior to Perez-Ventura's arrest on April 3, 2026.
  • Perez-Ventura was arrested on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Ricardo Perez-Ventura

A 35-year-old man from Pasco, Washington who has been arrested and charged in connection with a rash of copper thefts at farms across Franklin County.

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What’s next

Perez-Ventura is currently being held at the Franklin County Corrections Center on the charges related to the copper thefts. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities may uncover additional suspects or crimes connected to the case.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the serious impact that copper theft can have on rural agricultural communities, causing significant financial losses and disrupting critical infrastructure. Law enforcement agencies are working to combat these property crimes and protect the region's vital farming industry.