Arrests Made in String of Garrison Area Thefts

The Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office has arrested three persons who are suspected of participating in a recent theft ring. According to a release from the NCSO, an ongoing investigation into three different thefts at a business located on highway 59 North near the Garrison area has led to criminal charges being filed on three suspects from the Houston area. Suspects broke into the gate of the business on three different occasions in March, July and October of this year. Thousands of dollars of tools were taken along with several different pieces of equipment which included three work trucks and a trailer.

After numerous hours of investigation and reviewing different videos from surveillance cameras, the NCSO identified Samantha Dominguez, 48, and Bart Sample, Sr, 46, as suspects in these cases. Investigators believe that these two stole one truck and multiple tools in July of 2020. Warrants were requested and NCSO Investigators located Dominguez and Sample in Tomball, Texas along with multiple stolen items from Nacogdoches County.

Investigators spent several days in Houston and were able to recover one stolen truck and trailer loaded with multiple tools and equipment that were found in the Houston area. Another vehicle was also recovered by the Houston Police Department. This investigation is still on-going in hopes that more property will be recovered.

Dominguez and Sample have both been arrested on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a 2nd degree felony, Theft with Previous Convictions, a 3rd degree felony, and Theft, a 3rd degree felony.

A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of Jack Thomas, 58, from Houston for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a 2nd degree felony. Investigators obtained probable cause during the investigation that he was also involved in the Thefts that occurred at the business. NCSO is working with the Houston Police Department on his apprehension.