March 14, 2011 - Investigators in the Houston Police Department's Metal Theft Unit have arrested seven of 16 suspects charged in the sale of stolen copper to various scrap yards in the Houston area since January.

The following seven suspects are in custody and charged with felony theft by a public servant: Charles Bernard Davis (b/m, DOB: 10-12-58), Braulio Arroyo (H/m, DOB: 8-29-46), Frank Jerome Johnson (b/m, DOB: 2-12-79), Raymond Esparza (H/m, DOB: 10-28-51), Quincy Jones (b/m, DOB: 10-11-72) Bobby Earl Price (b/m, DOB: 4-22-86) and Arthur Samuel (b/m, DOB: 5-5-68).

Photos of Davis, Arroyo, Johnson, Esparza, Jones and Samuel are attached to this news release.  A photo of Price is not available at this time.

Two other suspects, Terry Whiting (b/m, DOB: 12-20-65) and Robert Fitzgerald White (b/m, DOB: 8-19-68) are charged with felony theft by a public servant and have turned themselves in and posted bond.  Two additional suspects, Seferino Rios (H/m, DOB: 4-23-67) and Stephen Segundo (H/m, DOB: 10-28-69).  are also charged with felony theft by a public servant and remain at large, but are expected to turn themselves in.

Five additional suspects are charged with misdemeanor theft by public servant charges and arrest warrants are being processed at this time:  Robert Earl Holmes (b/m, DOB: 1-11-61), Reuben Lawrence Jackson (b/m, DOB: 11-26-53), Antwine Walter (b/m, DOB: 5-5-74), Preston Dewayne Gillins (b/m, DOB: 2-22-72), and Tony Tramaine Gordwin (b/m, DOB: 5-29-82).

On January 18, investigators in the HPD Metal Theft Unit obtained information regarding City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department employees selling copper to Latino's Scrap Yard at 306 East Mount Houston.  An investigation into the allegations was opened to confirm this information.  On Jan. 20, investigators conducting surveillance observed a City of Houston truck stop at Latino's and two employees unload several pounds of copper and brass from the truck for the purpose of selling it to the scrap yard.

Further investigation was conducted and determined the suspects sold copper stolen from the following locations during their time of employment with the City of Houston: 

• 718 East Burress
• 2700 Dalton
• 7101 Renwick
• 5900 Teague

All suspects have admitted to their involvement in their respective cases.  Anyone with additional information in these cases is urged to contact the HPD Burglary and Theft Division Metal Theft Unit at 713-308-0900.

VHS/MIM/JFC  3-14-11