(Guadalupe County) — An ongoing investigation led by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of at least one man who is said to be responsible for an organized crime ring that over time has resulted in more than 2,000 thefts.
Arrested on Wednesday was Olbin Donaldo Paz Ortiz. During the last several months, Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray says the Criminal Investigations Bureau has been investigating multiple contractor thefts occurring throughout Guadalupe County.
During the investigation, two suspects were identified. The suspects were reportedly trespassing on residential properties and forcibly removing breakers from electrical panels causing extensive damage and a major monetary loss to the homeowners and home builders.
Ray says these 2,000 thefts equate to a combined value of approximately $330,000 in total losses. Ray says the other suspect has been identified but has fled from the United States to elude apprehension.
Ortiz is charged with three counts of Theft of Property and one count of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. Officials say he has been placed on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hold, due to his illegal status in the United States.