Kern County District Attorney (DA) Investigators funded under the DA’s Measure K “Justice For Kern” Initiative conducted a successful operation resulting in the recovery of stolen equipment valued in excess of $100,000.  

On February 16, 2024, DA Investigators and Kern County Probation Officers successfully served a search warrant at a resident in the 400-block of Woodlands Meadow Court in Oildale. During the search of the residence, a large amount of stolen items including gas pumps, card readers, and the famous 8ft Sinclair “DINO” statue were recovered. The recovered card readers have been linked to a series of thefts at gas stations throughout Kern County. Two stolen vehicles were also retrieved. The property owners have been located and one person was arrested and safely taken into custody.  

Dustin Hering (45 years old) of Bakersfield was arrested for multiple counts of being in possession of stolen property. Investigators were assisted by the Kern County Sheriff's Office Rural Crimes Unit and the Bakersfield Police Department.  

Funding for the operation was supported by Measure K, which has been implemented under the DA’s “Justice For Kern” Program. The program increases law enforcement presence and supports follow-up investigations in unincorporated areas of Kern County.  

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented; “Thanks to the “Justice for Kern” program, a specialized team of investigators’ are combating crime head-on in unincorporated areas of Kern County. Residents in these areas can rest assure that we are dedicated to making communities safer and protecting crime victims.”  

Victims of gas pump theft are encouraged to call the Kern County District Attorney’s Office at 661-868-2340.