Man Arrested for Selling Stolen Goods on Facebook

SAN ANGELO, TX - A 26-year-old San Angelo man, Cory Joe Valadez, who attempted to sell stolen merchandise on Facebook, was arrested last night at a residence in the 100 block of West Avenue D.

San Angelo Police Officer Tracy Gonzalez said, just before 10:00 p.m. on October 18, officers took a burglary of a building report at the Freedom Mini-Storage facility located at 910 W. 29^th Street. Victims advised the reporting officer that several pieces of music equipment were stolen from their unit. The property was valued at just over $4,400.

"Just before midnight last night, police were dispatched to meet the burglary victims who said they recognized their stolen property in a Facebook advertisement and made arrangements to meet the seller, listed as Cory Valadez, at the residence on W. Avenue D," said Officer Gonzalez.

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She added that officers proceeded to W. Avenue D in an attempt to locate Valadez and observed a man who matched the man's description exiting a white Ford Mustang with a black hood. The man was detained and confirmed to be Valadez. 

"While on scene, officers observed some of the suspected stolen music equipment through a house window," noted Gonzalez. "The property matched the items that Valadez posted for sale on Facebook and a Search Warrant for the property was obtained."

During the search, officers located several pieces of the stolen music equipment, which was later released to the victims. Other items suspected of being stolen property were seized and tagged into evidence. 

"Valadez was transported to Police Headquarters for questioning and subsequently arrested for Burglary of a Building and transported to the Tom Green County Jail," Gonzalez said.

A female identified as 59-year-old Sylvia Rodriguez was arrested at the scene for interfering with the investigation and refusing to cooperate with official orders. Rodriguez was charged with Interference with Public Duties and transported to the Tom Green County Jail.

This is Valadez's 17th arrest in Tom Green County.

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This is an ongoing investigation and Detective Noel Anderson is the lead Investigator on the case. 

The San Angelo Police Department cautions citizens about the potential sale of stolen items through social media ads and advises citizens to never take matters into their own hands by confronting suspected thieves in person if you locate your stolen property online.  Call the Police. It’s not worth risking your life.