That’s why California authorities say the alleged theft of more than 500 gallons of agricultural diesel from local farms has consequences well beyond the value of the fuel itself. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested 55-year-old Andrew Roggero of El Nido on July 28 following a two-month investigation into diesel thefts reported by farming operations in Merced and Madera counties. Authorities accuse Roggero stole more than 500 gallons of red-dyed diesel fuel from local farmers. The Drive noted the stolen fuel was red-dyed diesel, a tax-exempt fuel designated for off-road agricultural and industrial equipment. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Bureau at 209-385-7472, the anonymous tip line at 209-385-7547, or email SheriffTips@countyofmerced.com.