Smithville Police have made two arrests in a recent theft investigation.
40 year old Gregory Eugene Neal and 34 year old Desiree N Ferrell of 427 Morgan Street were arrested on Tuesday, March 23rd for theft over $500. Officer Matt Farmer was dispatched to 300 Wade Street to take a report concerning a theft. According to Chris Cantrell and Stacy Campbell someone had broken into the residence and several items were taken. A fire had occurred there on Friday morning and they had been staying elsewhere. When Cantrell returned home on Monday, March 22nd, he noticed that someone had apparently entered the residence through a window. Later that day, Officer Farmer and Sergeant Randy King went to 427 Morgan Drive concerning a complaint of possible drug activity. Officers saw Greg Neal in the yard by his truck and asked if they could go inside and talk. Desiree Ferrell was also at the residence. Neal was informed that an anonymous tip had been received concerning drug activity occurring at his residence. Both Neal and Ferrell stated that there was nothing going on and the officers could look anywhere they wanted. While walking through the residence, Officer Farmer saw some items believed to have been be stolen from the residence at 300 Wade Street. Both Neal and Ferrell were asked about the items but claimed they had received these items in return for payment of money owed to them. Two TV’s and a VCR were confiscated and taken to the Smithville Police Department. The victims were contacted and identified the items as some of the stolen property. Neal and Ferrell were arrested for theft. Bond for them was set at $5,000 each and their court date is April 22nd.
39 year old Rafael Luevano Castorena of 650 Cecil Hale Road and 33 year old Juan Lucio Galvan of 2663 Short Mountain Highway were arrested on Saturday, March 20th for public intoxication. Sergeant Joey Jones was dispatched to the area of Morgan Drive and Gentry Street to check out a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival he noticed a maroon mini van parked on the corner. A man was inside in the passenger seat. He was passed out and the driver side door was open. Sergeant Jones made contact with the driver, Castorena, who had gone into the apartments at this location. Castorena said he was there to visit a friend. Castorena had a strong odor of beer on his person and he was unsteady on his feet. Officer Scott Davis, who was assisting Sergeant Jones, made contact with Galvan, the man who was passed out in the passenger seat of the mini van. Galvan had an open beer between his legs. Officer Davis awoke Galvan. His speech was slurred and his eyes were watery and blood shot. Galvan was also unsteady on his feet and he could not provide his address. Due to the their intoxication level, both Castorena and Galvan were placed under arrest for public intoxication. Bond for both was set at $1,000 and their court date is April 1st.
Meanwhile, anyone having any information on the following offense is asked to please contact the Smithville Police Department at 597-8210 or the Tip Line at 464-6046.
On Friday, March 19th Officer Scott Davis was dispatched to 920 South Mountain Street, Lot 10 in reference to a burglary. Angela Escobedo stated that when she arrived home her husband advised her that someone had attempted to break into their trailer. It appeared someone had attempted to gain entry into the home by prying open the front door. Damage was done to the door and lock, however; but no one entered.
Any information received that will help Smithville Police solve any criminal offense will be greatly appreciated. All information is confidential.
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