Another Arrest In Statewide Theft Ring - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX
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A North Texas man is behind bars, charged in connection to a major theft in 2009. Authorities said Santos Coria, 66, has been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for theft over $100,000. Police said his arrest is connected to a state wide theft ring that began to unravel in Wichita Falls.
Officers said in June 2009 a truck-load of shingles were stolen from Builder's Lumber Company in the 2900 Block of Holliday. Officials were alerted to the theft by Builders Lumber. That led to the discovery of a broken down truck on US Highway 287.
Surveillance video eventually led them to Coria who is the owner of a roofing company in Dallas.
He claimed he was unaware of items stolen delivered by the supply company, and told investigators he agreed to buy the shingles. However, he hadn't paid for the delivered items.
Four men were arrested in Dallas and returned to Wichita County when they tried to deliver the stolen goods to Coria. Police said Coria admitted he agreed to buy the goods. He told police his business bought what he called surplus supplies from construction sites and kept records of who he bought from. When asked if he had records for the purchase of the shingles he said he did not. Authorities said when they searched Coria's warehouse they found a large quantity of stolen construction supplies from multiple areas calling it a state wide theft ring.
Also arrested were Orlando Jimenez, 34, Jovanie Mejia, 25, Jonatan Villabares-Bonilla, 24, and Carlos Jimenez, 29.
The Children's Aid Society of West Texas Inc. is having their 10th Annual Fundraiser Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Outskirts, 5029 Jacksboro Highway.
The Children's Aid Society of West Texas Inc. is having their 10th Annual Fundraiser Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Outskirts, 5029 Jacksboro Highway.
