Burglary suspect returned stolen merchandise
Published: July 25, 2005
Through the years, Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor and sheriff’s investigator Jay Russell thought they had seen it all.
Something, however, allegedly occurred last week that caught these veteran law enforcement officers a little off balance.
A suspect in a burglary case - someone they have described as a career thief who has spent time in prison - actually broke into a residence and returned stolen merchandise, according to the sheriff.
Joseph Edward Ornelas, 57, of Palestine was arrested July 15 at a local business on West Palestine Avenue on the charge of burglary of a habitation, authorities have said.
On the previous day, Ornelas had been interviewed by authorities in connection with a July 12 mobile home burglary on U.S. 84 during which some jewelry was allegedly stolen.
Following his interview during the late afternoon hours of July 14 at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Ornelas was released before being arrested the following day around noon on July 15.
Sometime in the interim, sheriff’s officials say Ornelas returned to a residence out West Reagan Street that he had previously burglarized; entered the house through an unopened door; and returned a stolen guitar.
“He (Ornelas) broke back into a house and put property back,” Taylor said. “He tried to undo some of the crimes he had done, tried to clean up some of his stuff…That’s a first.”
Russell also said “this is the first time I’ve had somebody go back into a house and return” stolen property.
Amazon discount!
Law and Disorder: Weird News of Crime and PunishmentAs of Saturday morning, Ornelas remained in the Anderson County Jail in lieu of a $200,000 bond on the burglary of a habitation charge relating to the alleged offense on U.S 84. The man is also being held on a parole violation, according to jail records.
Russell said he expects to ultimately charge Ornelas with a total of up to six burglaries, in addition to an arson allegedly committed Dec. 31, 2004 during a residential burglary on FM 1817 northeast of Elkhart.
During that burglary, authorities say the residence had one room destroyed and also sustained heavy smoke damage due to fire.
Ornelas has claiimed the fire was “an accident,” according to Taylor.
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: