Where's the beef?

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Where’s the beef?

That is what H-E-B was asking when they found out they were losing thousands of dollars of fresh meats.

Dubbed “Operation Meat Locker,” H-E-B, the Austin Police Department and the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department worked together to determine who was stealing the fresh meats from the grocery stores.

Back in April, H-E-B turned to APD for help.

“We noticed a theft pattern in our stores, we immediately notified the police department,” said Leslie Lockett, director of public affairs with H-E-B.

For Sgt. David Socha with APD, this type of crime wasn’t something he was aware of.

“I was first surprised. I didn't realize there was such a problem as that going on,” said Socha.

The agencies said they had health and safety concerns because the thieves were putting the stolen products into backpacks and even down their pants.

During the operation, officials were able to determine that the stolen items were being sold to three different restaurants in east Austin.

Willie’s BBQ, Sam’s BBQ, and La Morinita were the restaurants knowingly purchasing the black market meats.

“This was not really so much about theft as it was even more so about public health,” said APD Police Chief Art Acevedo.

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will be revoking the three business' permits to operate effective Thursday and shut down each location.

“This really could be and really would have been a public health concern for people who would be purchasing food, or providing food to people in restaurants and preparing them,” said Shannon Jones with the Travis County Health and Human Services Department.

TCHHSD said they have had no confirmed reports of any customers getting sick from eating at any of the restaurants involved in the operation.

During the three-month investigation, the theft ring stole about $5,000 worth of fresh meats.

The following individuals have been arrested and charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity/Theft, a third degree felony:

From Willie’s BBQ:

• Willie Joe Showels, 72
• Tanya V. Showels, 34
• Patrick Lee Showels, 46

From Sam’s BBQ:

• Brian Douglas Mays, 57

From La Morinita Restaurant:

• Juan Rodriguez Montenergo, 37

Police are still trying to apprehend the following:

• Willie Joe Showels III, 30, with Willie’s BBQ
• Willie Don Mays, 37, with Sam's BBQ