Crime & Safety
Sonoma Man Arrested in Rainbird Thefts
Sheriff surveillance pays off when gambler stops to recoup his losses
On July 1, 2012, late Sunday night, Sonoma County Sheriff's detectives had Thomas Barnick's truck under surveillance when the Sonoma man drove to the River Rock Casino, outside of Healdsburg, where he gambled for less than one hour.
Barnick was being watched because of a mini-crime wave over the past nine months, as several vineyards from all over Sonoma County have reported Rainbird sprinkler thefts. There have been a total of 18 reported cases with property loss exceeding $50,000.
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Sprinklers are used for frost prevention in the vineyards, and since Rainbirds are made largely of copper, detectives believe they were targeted for their metal value.
Though the Rainbird thefts began some time ago, it wasn't until mid-May of this year that deputies had their first real lead. Deputies spoke with witnesses who described seeing a white GMC pick-up truck with CA license plate #8M78455 on or near the property of a reported theft.
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Detectives from the Property Crimes Investigation Unit followed up with the registered owner, who resides in the Sonoma Valley area. The registered owner informed detectives that he had sold the truck to Thomas Barnick back in January of 2012. Barnick then became a prime suspect.
After his gaming time at River Rock, Barnick left the casino at around 2 a.m. on Monday, July 2, and drove southbound on Hwy 128 (Alexander Valley Road) and into the vineyard at the Fanucchi Ranch outside of Geyserville, at 5155 Highway 128.
Barnick drove to the back of the property where he parked and began removing the Rainbird sprinklers from the rows of vines. He spent approximately three hours in the vineyard, and when he left detectives stopped and arrested him.
Barnick was found in possession of 407 Rainbird sprinklers. The replacement cost of each sprinkler is approximately $8.00, making a total value of about $3250.
Thomas Barnick, 48, was booked at the Sonoma County Jail for Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Driving with a Suspended Driver's License. Bail was enhanced and set at $100,000.
Detectives will be submitting at least two additional reports to the District Attorney's Office and more charges against Barnick are likely.
