A press conference here last week announced two 17-year-olds had been arrested and charged with the vandalism of three large Christmas in the Park lighted scenes. At the announcement were, from left, Kay Lewis, president of December Events; Raymie Zella, city manager; Sgt. J. Timpone, lead investigator; Chris Hernandez, police chief; Randy Saenz, mayor; and Sgt. Sam Saunders, police department. (Record photo)
Arrests seen in park vandalism
by by Glenn Rea, Record Editor
(Posted 11/25/2009 08:10 am)
Just over a week after Cuero’s Christmas in the Park suffered major vandalism, two individuals were arrested and charged with the crimes.
Late night Saturday, Nov. 7, three large pieces of the Christmas in the Park lighted scenes located behind the city lake were either pushed in the lake or bent beyond repair. Originally, damaged was estimated at $150,000.
Shortly after it was discovered, Cuero Police Department and December Events Committee, that oversees the event, announced a reward of $2,500 for information that will lead to an arrest and conviction of the culprits.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17 the police and committee leaders held a press conference to announce two individuals had been arrested and charged with the vandalism.
The two arrested were Scott Rogers, 17, and Shane Torres, 17, both of Cuero.
Late last week both young men were indicted by DeWitt County Grand Jury on charges of criminal mischief, greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000. A more recent estimate of the damage was set under $100,000.
Originally the bond on each had been set at $150,000 but following the indictment, bonds on the two were reduced to $20,000 each.
At the press conference last week, Police Chief Chris Hernandez said lead investigator Sgt. J. Timpone had received a credible tip that resulted in the arrests. He also said confessions had been obtained.
Chief Hernandez described the vandalism as a “traumatic event.” He said, “It actually turned out to be an unfortunate occurrence caused by two first time offenders who did not take the time to understand the possible consequences to their actions.”
