SANTA NELLA — A Santa Nella man was arrested this week after deputies recovered movie set lighting equipment valued between $35,000 and $50,000 that had been stolen from a semi-truck, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputy Casas took the initial report Dec. 3 of a vehicle burglary in the 12300 block of Highway 33. The victim told deputies that specialized lighting equipment used for film production had been taken.

Detectives developed information on possible locations of the stolen property and, around 9 p.m. that evening, served search warrants at two residences — one near Henry Miller Avenue and Highway 33, and another in the Santa Nella trailer park. Authorities said an array of stolen property tied to other cases was found at both locations. The missing movie set lights were located at the trailer park residence.

Aaron Avila, 37, of Santa Nella, was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Darren Stevens at 209-385-7472.