Police Recover $10,000 in Stolen Goods

Feb 2, 2007 05:21 PM CST
Reported by Ryan Wolf

Plasmas, jewelry and top of the line electronics. It's pricey property recovered by Weslaco police after busting open what they say may turn out to be a burglary ring.

Two 19 year olds and a juvenile are accused in the thefts. Police link Ezequiel Cuellar and Hugo Remes to a rash of crime at the "Bridge Crossing Subdivision" off South Border Avenue in Weslaco.

"Leads are leading us to other burglaries outside the neighborhood... these kids were operating outside the group... burglarizing the entire city."

For a while, homeowners lived in fear and turned to Action 4 News for help. This interview took place shortly after a burglary last month. "Everytime I leave I'm worried that when I come back something is going to be missing in the house."

Some even questioned whether Weslaco police officers were doing enough. "We felt like we were being neglected."

A home along on Zelma Street it's been burglarized three times. Victims say their frustration had been bubbling over until police got a break in the case. Where do officers say one of the suspects is from? Right next door.

Adding to the shock factor, it's home to the neighborhood spokesman against crime. John Gonzalez's step-son Hugo Remes is one of three facing burglary charges. Neighbors are stunned. "It's a bad development... it's a sad story."

John Gonzalez praises the work of Weslaco police but denies his step son is directly linked to the burglaries saying how kids are falsely fingering him. “Police did not show fingerprints in any of the thefts... the 1st and 2nd burglary... my son was in Kentucky and not here."

Regardless of who's at fault, "Bridge Crossing" homeowners just hope the burglaries are over.

"That's what we needed... action... and that's what we got... Action 4 was there."

What busted this thing wide open? Turns out a weekend arrest following a burglary in progress. Police were able to gather information about other suspects who were involved and how they were allegedly flipping stolen property at pawn shops among other places.

Around 10 thousand dollars in goods have been recovered.

Police expect more arrests.

(LEADSONLINE CLIENT – WESLACO, TX POLICE DEPT.)