Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Arrest Made In Montura Burglaries


Jose Ortez Arrested In Thefts

CLEWISTON, FL. -- During this past week, Montura residents have been devastated by a rash of burglaries that have occurred. Hendry County Sheriff Whidden concerned with this activity, initiated a task force to concentrate on tracking down the thieves. In a matter of four days, one arrest has been made, property returned to owners and other arrests are pending.

After following up on witness statements, Investigators determined that Jose Ruben Ortez, 28 years of age, of 1850 Old 27, Foxbriar Trailer Park, Lot 61, Clewiston, Florida rented a U-Haul truck and used it to transport stolen property from homes he burglarized in the Montura area.

Acting on a tip, Investigators responded to a Mini-storage unit, located at 1801 Red Road in Clewiston to follow up on the information they had received from witnesses. They were able to speak with Ortez who was uncooperative with investigators, so a search warrant was obtained and executed for the storage unit. Once inside Deputies discovered three ATVs, furniture, a flat screen television, and other appliances.

Investigators then went back to the residence where they were able to search the home of Ortez. Upon approaching the home, one of the Investigators immediately recognized a dog that had been reported stolen from a residence in Montura, along with multiple flat screen tvs, laptops, video game systems, cds and dvds. luggage, ammunition, carmeras, and various other electronics.

While several of the victims from the Montura area have been able to identify many items that have been recovered, this series of burglaries still remains under investigation.

On May 19, 2009, Richard Odel Ortez, 25 years of age, of 1850 Old US 27, Foxbriar Trailer Park, Lot 64, was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary, two counts of Grand Theft, two counts of Damage to Property $1,000 or more and three counts of Vehicle Theft.

Sheriff Whidden stated this kind of activity will not be tolerated and he contributes the overall success of this investigation to the cooperation of the community and Sheriff's Office.

"I cannot express the importance of community involvement. This is an outstanding example of how the community can act as the eyes and ears for the Sheriff's Office. Without the support of those willing to come forward, it makes our job much more difficult."

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:14 PM

    "Peace through vigilance"-and force, to the extent required by the situation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2:28 PM

    So why would a guy feel so safe and inclined to travel many miles, rent a cargo vehicle to commit his crimes miles from where he lives?
    A: Montura's organized crime/corruption ring/rings that has kept Police/law and order away for decades.

    Thanks Sheriff whidden for catching this alleged dirtbag!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous3:25 PM

    THIS GUY LOOKS LIKE A SOW PIG! GLAD THEY CAUGHT HIM! ,, MAGGIE SIMI

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous6:42 PM

    AND THEY ONLY GOT 5 YEARS FOR THIS MESS .........SAD

    ReplyDelete