Multi-county burglary ring busted

LAMPASAS, Texas (KXAN) - Five months of detective work by the Lampasas County Sheriff's office lead to eight people who they believe are to blame for dozens of burglaries from San Antonio to Dallas. The Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety helped track down the suspects and recover $50,000 worth of stolen construction and recreation equipment.

Detectives say Florentino Flores a.k.a. Juan Castillo, 44, confessed to the crimes after he was arrested in February. His older-model white Ford van was photographed by several surveillance videos at numerous crime scenes. He was captured on the side of the highway after the van broke down.

His wife, Blanca Cerda, 32, was also arrested. Investigators found stolen items at her home in Lampasas County. Juan Villegas, 19, has been arrested as well. Investigators are looking for five other family members who they believe were involved.

Investigators said in November 2008 the thieves targeted the construction site where the new Lampasas High School is being built. A forklift at the site was used to bust open a storage unit and steal six welding machines.

"It slowed everything else down," said Lampasas ISD Superintendent Brant Myers. The construction company had to install surveillance cameras, and hire an overnight security guard to keep it from happening again. Dozens of all-terrain vehicles were also stolen from residents' storage buildings.

It has been a full time job trying to recover the stolen loot. "You just have to chase it down," said Lampasas County detective John Seery. Some items were retrieved at two flea markets in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Two individuals were also tracked down who bought several stolen items from Flores.

The stolen items have been traced back to burglaries in Travis County, Williamson County, Burnet County, Lampasas County, Bell County, Johnson County, Ellis County and Bexar County. There have not been any items from numerous Lampasas County burglaries recovered, but investigators will continue searching.

"I really sincerely wish we could recover some more of the property for these victims," said Lampasas County Sheriff David Whitis. "But sadly enough a lot of times when dealing with property crimes once it's gone, it's gone."

The suspects have been charged with theft. Lampasas County plans on charging the group with engaging in criminal activity. The charge carries a heftier sentence.