The Early Police Department is seeking help in finding a suspect in connection to an area shoplifting investigation. According to Early Chief of Police David Mercer, the Early Police Department began an investigation at Scott’s Western Wear dealing with shoplifting in December 2011. Mercer said that investigators determined that suspects were shoplifting from western stores from Early to Stephenville, including Comanche.
For several months the investigation continued as officers attempted to locate the suspects and develop witnesses, Mercer said. In May 2012 suspects had been identified and an organized criminal activity case was put together due the continuing thefts and criminal activity, Mercer reported.
On July 27th 21-year-old Samantha Avila from Brownwood was arrested on a grand jury indictment for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. 21-year-old Damien Estrada from Brownwood was arrested on July 28th for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity as well in connection with the case.
The Early Police Department is currently holding warrants for Jesse Deleon, a 30-year-old from Brownwood (pictured above left). Deleon has not been located and is also wanted by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office for Failure to Appear – Robbery.
Deleon has been listed in the top 10 most wanted for Brown County recently. Mercer urges anyone with knowledge of Deleon’s location to call the Early Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Stoppers or your local law enforcement.
Avila and Estrada are pictured below.
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| Samantha Avila | Damien Estrada |
