Police Blotter [Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas]

Dec. 31----HARLINGEN -- A Harlingen couple surrendered to police after a months-long investigation into allegations that they stole more than $2,000 of merchandise from Beall's department, police said.

According to a Harlingen police press release, Debbie Silva Saenz, 34, and Robert Gonzalez Saenz, 33, were charged with felony theft. They were arraigned Thursday and their bond set at $10,000, each.

According to investigators, Silva, now a former employee of the department store, passed $2,538 in store merchandise to her husband without scanning or finalizing the purchase. Police said the thefts took place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 24.

During an internal investigation, Debbie Saenz confessed to her involvement, police said. Police said surveillance footage and statements obtained during the investigation helped them obtain arrest warrants for the couple.

However, the two turned themselves in to police early Thursday morning.

--HARLINGEN -- Three Harlingen teenagers were arrested Wednesday evening after police said the teens were smoking marijuana.

Officers from the Harlingen Police Department's Gang Eradication Unit said they were patrolling the area of Breedlove and Barbara streets when officers saw a large cloud of smoke and smelled the odor of burning marijuana. Officers approached five teens and found one in possession of marijuana, another appeared to be intoxicated and another had a pair of brass knuckles, police said.

Police said they arrested Milo Juarez, Redocindo T. Motley, and Kevin Rene Alaniz, all 17 years old. The three were taken to the city jail.

Juarez was charged with a prohibited weapon and his bond was set at $1,000; Motley was charged with possession of marijuana and his bond was set at $500; and Alaniz was charged with public intoxication. His bond was set at $337.

--HARLINGEN -- A routine traffic stop resulted in one San Benito man jailed after police discovered marijuana and prescription drugs in his car, police said.

According to police, Thomas Quinn Salazar, 28, was stopped in the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Loop 499 for a broken brake light.

During questioning, Salazar failed to provide a driver's license and proof of insurance for the green Ford Mustang he was driving and was arrested, police said.

During a search of the car, police said they found about 4 ounces of marijuana and two tablets of Clonazepam.

Salazar was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, police said. His bond was set at $13,000.

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