Deputies bust alleged burglary ring

November 09, 2010 9:46 AM
Jared Taylor
The Monitor

NEAR MISSION — Sheriff's deputies made two arrests in an alleged burglary ring that targeted five businesses.

Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies responded to a burglary alarm at a shopping center at Farm-to-Market Road 2221 and Sago Palm Drive northwest of Mission about 4:28 a.m. Monday.

Deputies arrested Melvin Perez while searching the neighborhood around the shopping center. Perez, 18, was wanted on two misdemeanor warrants for trespassing and is a criminal illegal immigrant who had been deported to Mexico twice.

Perez confessed to the burglaries and implicated Victor Alcocer and a juvenile male, deputies said.

Businesses targeted in the burglary ring include:

>> Star Burger

>> Mary's Learning Express

>> a doctor's clinic

>> Reynera Bakery

>> Big Dollar Store

Investigators found and arrested Alcocer and the juvenile. All stolen property was recovered.

Deputies said they notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of Perez's arrest and requested that he faces federal charges for felony re-entry after he is prosecuted in state court.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said Alcocer has several prior burglary of vehicle arrests and Lopez has prior possession of marijuana and assault charges.

Both men will be charged at an arraignment this afternoon. Deputies continue to investigate the case.

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