SAN ANTONIO — A suspect has been arrested in relation to the theft of a local Tejano band's musical equipment after allegedly contacting a music promoter on social media in an attempt to sell the equipment.
Paul Joseph Ortiz, 37, was arrested by SAPD on felony charges of theft.
The lead singer of Grupo Siggno, Jesse Turner, said about $200,000 worth of equipment and merchandise were stolen in San Antonio from a U-Haul on September 23. The U-Haul was later found by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, but the musical equipment stored in the back of it was missing.
On September 29, Ortiz used Facebook to contact a promoter wanting sell some musical equipment, according to arrest paperwork. The promoter in question knew about the recently stolen equipment and asked Grupo Siggno for some photos of the items that had been stolen from them.
Based on the markings, it was confirmed the items Ortiz was attempting to sell belonged to Grupo Siggno, according to the affidavit.
SAPD's Property Crimes Task Force unit was told of the situation and given Ortiz' social media profile information. Research was conducted on the social media profile and the Defendant's identifying information was located. The Facebook profile photos matched the Defendant's mugshots.
Police confirmed Ortiz' pawn history as well as his personal information. Police viewed surveillance video showing Ortiz allegedly pawning the items in question, as well as video showing Ortiz driving the suspect vehicle in the same parking lot seconds prior to the theft of the U-Haul. Officers were able to confirm the suspect in both of the videos and made the arrest.
Ortiz' bond has not been set.
