TexasCHLforum.com

As I understand it, the suspect led the arresting officer(s) to the three vehicles that he broke into while in Houston. This is according to one of the officers that I talked to in Houston, but who knows for sure but the parties actually involved. But as you said, it's hard to read the mind of the prosecutor.

I'm just happy that they caught him, I got my stuff back, and that he's going to prison. At least he will be off the streets and nobody else will have to become another one of his victims. (At least for a few years.)

Keith B wrote:To clarify, the composite value of the items stolen from each individual burglary is what would be counted. So, if they broke into 4 vehicles and stole several items from each worth less than $1500 from each vehicle, then they would be facing 4 counts of BMV (burglary of a motor vehicle) and 4 counts of misdemeanor theft, 1 count for each instance. Here is the penal code on theft http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/D ... /PE.31.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here Is what I found from your link:

Sec. 31.09. AGGREGATION OF AMOUNTS INVOLVED IN THEFT. When amounts are obtained in violation of this chapter pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, whether from the same or several sources, the conduct may be considered as one offense and the amounts aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.

I would think that his would apply, but IANAL.

I'm following you now. I was just trying to figure out how they would be able to assign each item to a specific theft.

Keith B wrote:

gigag04 wrote:Wrong. BMV is a class A misdemeanor.

Correct, and the theft of the iPod touch is still a misdemeanor since it is under $1500 (I think that is the limit now), so the narcotics charge would be the biggie to nail them on.

I believe that he was in possession of at least one laptop, a couple of iPods, and some other expensive electronics. Do they lump all of those items together for a total value, or do they divide them up into individual incidents of theft? I know he had more than $1500 worth of stuff with him when they arrested him.

sugar land dave wrote:Congrats for getting your property back! Good job by the LEOs! I like a happy ending!

Thanks! But the Police deserve all the credit on this one. I'm still pretty amazed at how it all turned out.

Amazingly enough, Houston PD called me early today to tell me that they have identified my iPod among other stolen property recovered from a narcotics arrest. In fact, I received an email from an officer stating that they may have some of my property at about 1:45 this morning. That's almost exactly 24hrs from when it was stolen! I will be able to pick it up tomorrow. (It's not being held as evidence because the DA want's to pursue the federal narcotics charges and has apparently dropped the non federal charges. Beats me as to why they wouldn't be able to pursue both, but then again, I'm not a lawyer.)

Apparently, the suspect had broken into a few cars in Bryan before heading down to Houston to continue is little crime spree. I think that the officer I talked to said that in addition to the three cars he broke into in Houston, there was enough stolen property to represent at least three more vehicular burglaries. So I've got to give a BIG to both the Houston, and Bryan PDs now. Way to go on getting this vermin off the streets!

I've gotta say, the officer I just finished talking with was extremely professional.

I was just laying down to bed when I heard my truck's alarm going off. I (foolishly you could say) stepped out to investigate the disturbance. I found my driver's side window gone, and alarm still blaring. I dialed 911 while making my way back inside, and asked the operator to have the officer knock and announce himself when He arrived. Unfortunately it began to rain, and I felt pretty certain that the BG's had to be long gone if they saw me walk out with a phone in one hand and a 1911 in the other wearing nothing but my skivvy's and a pair of shoes. I draped a tarp over the truck and awaited the arrival of the officer. Of course at this point I was properly dressed.

The officer arrived, and I handed him my DL and CHL. He told me there was no need for the latter, but I just wanted to inform the officer in case he noticed my pistol while I was looking to see what the punks got. He was pretty curious about my carry piece, and it's companions. Luckily, they only managed to nab an old iPod touch and it's charger. They left all of the tools and a few other items that are worth a lot more, but I have yet to see anybody steal tools.

I'm pretty ticked, but at least I think that the insurance will cover the window. I didn't have a record of the iPod's serial number, I'm not too worried about it.