FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls from concerned citizens who reported seeing metal cages stored outdoors at a ranch in Caruthers. The source of these sightings was a video been posted on YouTube. In the video, two men can be heard saying the cages were used to hold people inside.
As a result of the calls, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation. It was determined the cages were previously used by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for inmates to experience outdoor events safely.
According to Fox26 News, "The metal holding cells or “cages” have been retired and no longer are used. A local metal recycling business ended up buying these cages directly from CDCR. The holding cells, currently in storage, will eventually be recycled or repurposed by local area farmers to protect agricultural supplies and pumps from theft."
Should the public wish to report a tip related to human or labor trafficking, please call our dispatch at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
