Two Texas men are facing felony theft charges after investigators say they were involved in a series of copper wire thefts from a Fort Bend County furniture store that resulted in roughly $70,000 in reported losses.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to Gallery Furniture in the 7200 block of W. Grand Parkway on Sept. 22 after copper power cables were reported stolen from air-conditioning equipment.
It was not the first time someone had targeted the business. According to FBCSO, the Sept. 22 theft was the fourth similar incident reported at the location since Aug. 5.
Investigators eventually turned to surveillance footage and the public for help identifying the suspects.
Four Theft Reports in Less Than Two Months
Detectives reviewed surveillance video from the latest theft and found footage showing two suspects during the incident.
FBCSO shared information about the case on social media, and tips from the public helped investigators identify the suspects as 38-year-old Abraham Santiago and 31-year-old Magnum Schexneider.
The sheriff’s office said the series of thefts resulted in approximately $70,000 in reported losses.
Detectives later obtained arrest warrants for both men on charges of felony theft.
Both Suspects Found in Houston
On Sept. 24, FBCSO detectives worked with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Unit to locate Santiago and Schexneider in Houston.
Both men were arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail.
Schexneider’s booking information shows he was booked at 5:16 p.m. on Sept. 24 and is being held on a $100,000 bond for felony theft. An attempt to locate Santiago’s booking information was unsuccessful, but FBCSO said both suspects were being held on $100,000 bonds.
Under Texas Penal Code Section 12.34, a third-degree felony tied to thefts of $30,000 to $150,000 could result in 2 to 10 years in prison. If convicted, Santiago and Schexneider could face that and a $10,000 fine.
Sheriff Eric Fagan thanked members of the public who provided law enforcement with information that helped investigators identify the suspects.
“Tips from the public can play an important role in helping our investigators identify suspects and move cases forward,” Fagan said.
He also thanked the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the arrests.
There was no word on an expected court date for Santiago and Schexneider.
All parties are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.