Three Empire residents were arrested during the Sept. 16 theft of property from a ranch north of Hughson.

Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Luke Schwartz said the three were participating in the theft of two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and numerous tools taken from a shed on the ranch in the 6600 block of Blue Gum Road and 6000 block of Leedom Road.

Arrested were Empire residents Gary Parchem, 31, Biancha Valenzuela, 23, and Mistie Lorene Stafford, 43, who also goes by the name of Misty Parchem.

Gary Parchem, a parolee at large, was found by sheriff’s deputies hiding in the area after a perimeter was established. Parchem admitted that he burglarized two ranch shops. He was found in possession or firearms ammunition. Parchem was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of second-degree burglary, auto theft, attempted grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a stolen vehicle, a person prohibited from possessing ammunition and parole violation.

“He had been given a conditional release from jail and he didn’t do what he was told to do by his parole agent,” said Sgt. Schwartz.

Residents in the area saw suspicious persons moving around the property starting at about 4:30 a.m. and calling authorities. The two women were driving the ATVs to a different location.

Mistie Stafford was booked on a charge of accessory after the fact of a felony.

Valenzuela was booked for grand theft (value over $400), second-degree burglary, vehicle theft and criminal conspiracy with a bail of $43,000.