R&R Recycling in Hesperia Caught Purchasing Stolen Materials

Staff Writer

Wednesday, December 21st, 2016

HESPERIA – Two men from the R&R Recycling in the City of Hesperia were caught purchasing stolen materials after a sting operation conducted by undercover Rural Crime Task Force deputies on Tuesday, authorities said.

The recycling center located in the 16000 block of Smoke Tree Street was known to knowingly purchase stolen materials including brass ammunition casings belonging to various branches of the military. These casings were illegally obtained when scrapers trespassed on government property to steal them. “These casings are specific in calibers used by the military and are known by recyclers to be stolen,” said Sheriff officials a news release. “Most recyclers will not purchase the casings.”

Deputies learned that the employees from R&R Recycling purchased over 400 pounds of these casings from undercover deputies and attempted to elude authorities by attempting to sell casings to a different recycling center. Deputies contacted the R & R employees and recovered the casings, which will be returned to the Twenty-nine Palms Marine Corps Base where they were stolen from.

Raymond Montez and Carlos Contreras, both from R&R Recycling were released at the scene with charges pending. Charges are expected to include various Business & Professions Code violations committed during the purchase of the stolen material.