Suspect In Theft Ring Targeting Western Wear Stores Hid Up To 4 Pairs Of Boots Inside His Clothes

Authorities say they’ve busted a family retail theft ring targeting western-wear stores across north Texas, stealing thousands of dollars worth of boots by hiding them in their clothing.

The White Settlement Police Department said thieves have been targeting Boot Barn and Cavenders Boot City stores in north Texas. In one brazen “double theft” at a Boot Barn on Feb. 16, the suspects stole four pairs of boots, and after placing them in their vehicle, walked back inside the store “within five minutes” and stole another four pairs of boots, for a total loss of $3,799.92 before tax.

Police said a breakthrough in the investigation occurred when Officer Haley Buck obtained the suspects’ vehicle license plate. An arrest warrant was issued for both suspects, 57-year-old Valentine Cardenas and 47-year-old Melissa Marez, but their whereabouts remained unknown.

On Feb. 22, Cardenas allegedly returned to the Boot Barn in White Settlement, having shaved his beard to avoid recognition, and stole boots worth $1,074.98. The next day, both suspects returned to the same store, but the staff recognized them and called 911. The suspects fled before law enforcement arrived.

On Feb. 25, detectives used a license plate reader database to track the suspects’ vehicle to a motel on Sandshell Drive in Fort Worth. With assistance from the Fort Worth Police Department, White Settlement Police arrested Cardenas and Marez without incident.

Investigators recovered multiple pairs of stolen boots, ball caps, and clothing believed to be stolen from Boot Barn and Cavenders Boot City.

Cardenas and Marez were each charged with theft of property totaling more than $2,500 but less than $30,000.

“Deterring retail theft is an important priority for our department and these cases highlight the excellent work completed by our Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Unit,” White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook said in a statement. “Leveraging our license plate reader technology and other databases were crucial in assisting with the identification and apprehension of both suspects. We are also grateful for the collaboration and assistance from Boot Barn and the Fort Worth Police Department in these cases.”