News

Sheriff's office busts theft ring involving building supplies

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 17, 2023

The Henderson County sheriff’s deputies arrested seven men and were searching for an eighth suspect for the theft of $180,000 worth of inventory sold from Cason Builders Supply without the owner’s knowledge.

The Sheriff’s Office received a report from Cason on April 3 detailing a complex case of employee-related theft, a news release said. The Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit swiftly initiated an investigation that culminated in the identification and charging of multiple individuals allegedly involved in the scheme.

The investigation revealed a web of illicit activity orchestrated by former Cason employees Jose Ruben Huerta and Marcelino Huerta, who deputies say were discovered to be selling inventory from Cason Builders to various local businesses without the knowledge or consent of the supplier. The stolen inventory has an estimated value of approximately $180,000, underscoring the seriousness of the criminal operation.

After a meticulous and thorough investigation, detectives brought charges against:

• Jose Ruben Huerta, charged with over 40 counts of felony larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.
• Marcelino Huerta, charged with 18 counts of felony larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.
• Jose Jiminez Rosales, owner of A&L Landscaping, charged with 6 counts of aid and abet larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.
• Hugo Hernandez Castillo, owner of HH Concrete, charged with 5 counts of aid and abet larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.
• Jose Salinas Ramirez, owner of Ramirez Landscaping, charged with 7 counts of aid and abet larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.
• Primitivo Mejia-Juarez, owner of Primo’s Wall Masonry, charged with 10 counts of aid and abet larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.
• Julio Cesar Luna Hernandez, owner of JHCC Construction, charged with 4 counts of aid and abet larceny by employee and felony conspiracy.

Warrants have been issued for Antonio Moguel-Aguilar, owner of Anthony’s Landscaping, who is wanted on six counts of aid and abet larceny by employee and felony conspiracy. The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding Antonio Moguel-Aguilar's whereabouts to come forward and assist in bringing this case to its rightful resolution.

Sheriff Lowell Griffin emphasizes that this case underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the local business community to prevent and address such criminal activities. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office remains dedicated to protecting the county's businesses and residents.