Judge Sets Unusually High Bonds for 2 Women Who Burglarized a Vacant Home

SAN ANGELO— Two San Angelo women have been arrested for burglary of a building after entering a house stealing items and a Magistrate judge set bonds of over $10,000 for each of them.

According to court documents, on Monday, March 20, 2023, a San Angelo Police Officer responded to the 300 block of East 11th Street regarding a suspicious person. Upon his arrival, the officer observed a silver Dodge Avenger leaving a house that was occupied by Maria Puga, 53, and Alyssa Puga, 19.  Their relationship is not identified in official documents. 

The officer observed several items in plain view like paint cans and artificial plants in the vehicle. While talking with the suspects, Alyssa Puga allegedly admitted to entering the residence and taking the property. Due to a language barrier, Maria Puga spoke with another officer in Spanish.

The owner of the house was contacted, and he advised the residence was not occupied at the moment and does not have utilities like water or electricity. Investigators stated that a neighbor called him and said someone was inside of the home. The homeowner advised the investigator that when he arrived, he observed a silver vehicle in the driveway. He also said nobody had permission to be inside the residence or on the property.

Maria Puga allegedly stated in a Mirandized interview that she knew the house was vacant prior to her arrival with Alyssa Puga. Maria allegedly admitted to entering the house through the back door with Alyssa and also allegedly took paint cans and plants from the residence. Alyssa allegedly stated she intended to steal toys from the residence.

Both Maria and Alyssa Puga were arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Detention Facility on March 20, 2023. Alyssa Puga currently has a $10,000 bond while Maria Puga has a $11,162 bond.