California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Thursday issued a 23-page legal opinion in which he concluded that Fresno County’s copper wire theft ordinance is consistent with California law.
“Comparing the state law to Fresno’s ordinance,” the opinion states, “it becomes plain that one does not duplicate the other, because they are not coextensive.”
At a Friday press conference discussing the significance of the ruling, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp called the decision a huge step forward in the County’s effort to combat copper wire theft and what it means for future enforcement efforts.
“We are really thrilled that this is legally supported today by the Attorney General’s office,” she said. “This is a big win, not only for ag but for commercial properties, for hospitals, for all kinds of business owners.”
The ordinance, according to Chairman of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors Garry Bredefeld, specifically prohibits a person to “receive, possess or transport” scrap commercial-grade copper, aluminum wire or transformer cables with a total aggregate weight of 10 lbs. or more or which has had its sheathing stripped or burned off. It also prohibits the act of stripping or burning the coating off commercial wire, Bredefeld added.
Stiff fines and extensive jail time now await offenders.
“The message is loud and clear,” Bredefeld said. “Fresno County will not tolerate copper wire theft, destruction of our residents’ property and livelihoods.”
Sheriff John Zanoni said the ordinance should act as a major deterrent, and he hopes thieves get the message.
“If you’re caught, you’re going to go to jail,” he said. “The ordinance is in effect. We are going to hold people accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Zanoni and County Supervisor Nathan Magsig described copper theft as an increasingly costly crime affecting farmers, construction companies, utilities, telecommunications providers, and businesses throughout the Central Valley. Thefts have caused widespread service disruptions, expensive repairs, and public safety hazards while straining already limited law enforcement resources.
“Schools can go down, emergency services can be impacted,” Magsig said.
The ordinance, approved by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors in 2025, allows deputies to seize large quantities of stripped or burned copper wire from individuals who cannot provide proof of lawful ownership. The ordinance closes a gap in existing state law by giving law enforcement an additional enforcement mechanism before stolen material can be sold to recyclers or scrap yards.
Copper theft has become increasingly organized, Zanoni added, with thieves targeting remote areas and infrastructure sites where valuable metal can be removed quickly and resold for cash.
“Currently we see the average person who comes in to do this type of recycling is making between $600-$3,500,” Zanoni said. “It goes for between 5 and 6 dollars a pound.”
Smittcamp said Friday that her office already has cases prepared for prosecution now that the Attorney General has issued formal guidance. She also expressed hope that Fresno County’s approach could eventually serve as a model for legislation elsewhere in California as communities statewide continue grappling with similar crimes.
“If Fresno County can do it, so can Madera, so can Tulare, so can Kern,” she said.
For more updates on Fresno County development and business initiatives, stay connected with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
