Courtesy photo
SAN ANTONIO — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of over $200,000 worth of musical equipment from Grupo Siggno. Paul Joseph Ortiz, 37, was taken into custody by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) on felony theft charges after allegedly attempting to sell the stolen gear through social media.
According to a report by KENS5.com, the theft occurred on September 23, when the band’s equipment and merchandise were stolen from a U-Haul truck in San Antonio. While the U-Haul was later located by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the musical equipment stored inside was missing.
Days later, on September 29, Ortiz reportedly reached out to a local music promoter via Facebook in an attempt to sell the stolen items. The promoter, aware of the recent theft, contacted Grupo Siggno for confirmation, asking for photos of the missing equipment. The markings on the items were quickly identified as belonging to the band, and the information was passed on to the SAPD’s Property Crimes Task Force.
Through social media research, SAPD was able to link Ortiz to the stolen goods. Surveillance footage also placed him at a pawn shop, where he allegedly sold the items, and showed him near the location of the U-Haul theft. Ortiz’s arrest followed, and police confirmed his identity through his social media profile, pawn history, and mugshot photos.
Grupo Siggno’s frontman, Jesse Turner, expressed his frustration on social media, stating that while the suspect had been apprehended, the stolen equipment had not been recovered. “Unfortunately, I assume it’s lost, and all I can say is that I’ve entrusted this matter to God,” Turner wrote. “Thank you, SAPD, and primarily God.”
Ortiz’s bond has not been set, and authorities continue to investigate the case. For now, the band is left to cope with the loss of their vital equipment.
For more details, visit KENS5.com.
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