Bay City Tribune

The Matagorda County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Bay City Police Department were able to break up a lawnmower burglary ring that had hit victims across the county on Friday, July 31.

Sgt. Kurtis Brown, of the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office, apprehended two subjects in the process of stealing a riding lawnmower in the Van Vleck area on July 31.

The arrest of Orlando Rodriguez and Clovis Boatwright, both of Bay City, on burglary charges resulted in the recovery of four other riding lawn mowers all stolen in Palacios, Van Vleck, Ashwood and the Bay City area.

Four of the riding lawn mowers, two of which were brand new, had been sold to subjects in surrounding counties for prices ranging from $350 to $550.

Sgt. Kurtis Brown encouraged citizens to use common sense when approached by individuals selling equipment out of the back of their truck.

"If it's too good to be true, it usually is," said Brown.

"Not only can you be filed on for possession of stolen property, but you will not be reimbursed for the item when it is recovered."

Lt. Andrew Lewis, Bay City Police Department spokesman, said the police department detectives aided deputies in recovering stolen property in Bay City.

The two men arrested by the Sheriff's department are two of four persons of interest Bay City detectives continue to investigate in city robberies.

"This has been a read good joint effort," said Lewis.

"The police department investigators and sheriff's department investigators have worked well together and are curbing a lot of the problem," Lewis said.

Lewis said Boatwright was a Bay City employee but it is unknown whether he used city vehicles in the burglaries.

"Our investigators never saw him with stolen property in the back of a city vehicle," said Lewis.

"Our case is still under investigation and once it is completed the case will be referred to the district attorney's office."

boatwright posted a $10,000 bond and was released.

Rodriguez is currently on parole for burglary and remains in jail on a $10,000 bond and a parole violation.