The White Settlement Police Department (WSPD) has arrested Valentine Cardenas, 57, and Melissa Marez, 47, for their involvement in a retail theft ring targeting Boot Barn and Cavender’s Boot City stores across North Texas.
The suspects are charged with Theft of Property >=$2,500<$30,000 (State Jail Felony) after stealing thousands of dollars worth of boots by concealing them in their clothing.
The investigation, led by Detective Geovanny Ramirez and Sgt. Steven Person, revealed the suspects' method: Marez would point out boots while Cardenas concealed them inside his pants, sometimes hiding up to four pairs at a time.
Key incidents include:
- February 16, 2025: A double theft at Boot Barn, where the suspects stole eight pairs of boots, totaling $3,799.92.
- February 22, 2025: Cardenas returned to the White Settlement Boot Barn, stealing boots worth $1,074.98, after altering his appearance.
- February 23, 2025: Both suspects returned to the same store, but fled before officers arrived after being recognized by employees.
Officer Haley Buck obtained the suspects' vehicle license plate, which was crucial in the investigation. Detectives used a license plate reader database to track the suspects to a motel in Fort Worth.
On February 25, 2025, WSPD, with assistance from the Fort Worth Police Department, arrested Cardenas and Marez at the motel. A search warrant executed on the vehicle and motel room resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen boots, ball caps, and clothing.
Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and later bonded out of the Tarrant County Jail.
Chief Cook praised the efforts of Officer Buck, Detective Ramirez, and Sgt. Person, as well as the collaboration with Boot Barn and the Fort Worth Police Department.
