YOLO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Yolo County Sheriff’s deputies say agricultural crime investigators recovered stolen beehive boxes valued in the high tens of thousands of dollars after they were discovered in a remote area of northeastern Yolo County.

Deputies were alerted yesterday after several beehive boxes recently appeared in the area. Investigators located the live hives and noticed they had been altered in what appeared to be an attempt to conceal identifying markings.

While monitoring the site, investigators later observed a suspect return and continue modifying the hives, according to the sheriff’s office. Using resources from the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force, investigators were able to determine when the hives were stolen and identify the rightful owner in a Central California jurisdiction.

The stolen hives were recovered and returned to the owner. Deputies arrested Leonid Terzi, 47, of Sacramento, on multiple felony charges tied to the theft. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about the theft or the discovery of related apiary equipment in Yolo County is asked to contact law enforcement.

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