PALESTINE —
Law enforcement officers from the Palestine Police Department and the Anderson County Sheriff's Office arrested a Houston couple for theft at the Texas State Railroad Park on Sunday.
According to reports, officers were called to the railroad park concerning a possible theft and, upon arrival, made contact with suspects Famous Varela Joseph, 32, and Mary Sanchez, 43, both of Houston.
“The pair had a heavy duty Ford truck with a heavy duty trailer attached and had loaded railroad tie plates onto the truck and trailer,” Palestine Police Department Sgt. James Muniz said.
Information from Curtis Merchant of the Texas State Railroad indicated that the 866 tie plates were valued at $14 each — with the total value of the items taken being $12,124.
“The initial call came in from Clifford Rich who is an employee for Iowa Pacific,” Muniz said. “Mr. Rich made contact with the couple and called police.”
The couple was arrested for theft valued over $1,500 but under $20,000 — a state jail felony offense. They were taken into custody and transported to the Anderson County Jail for processing.
According to information from the Anderson County Jail, a $10,000 bond was issued for each subject and both have been released on bond.
Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
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Two arrested for theft at Texas State Railroad Park
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