The White Settlement Police Department responded to multiple retail theft reports at the Boot Barn, located in the 7600 block of Interstate Highway 30 service road over the past several weeks. In each case, store surveillance video was obtained by the responding officer. Investigators were able to determine that a man and woman were jointly committing the offenses. The female suspect would point to a pair of boots and the male suspect would then conceal them inside his pants. In some cases, the male suspect was able to conceal up to four pairs of boots under his pants and walk outside of the store. In one case on February 16, 2025, the suspects re-entered the store after removing the boots inside their vehicle and committed the offense again, approximately five minutes after the first offense. The male suspect, again, stole an additional four pairs of boots. The total loss from the February 16, 2025 offenses was $3,799.92 (before tax) for the eight pairs of boots.  

The responding patrol officer was able to obtain a license plate and provide that to the detective assigned to the case. Extensive investigative work was conducted and the detective was able to obtain a felony theft warrant for both suspects. Their location of where they were staying was unknown. 

On February 22, 2025, the male suspect returned to the Boot Barn in White Settlement and committed another retail theft of boots totaling $1,074.98. In that case, the suspect had changed his appearance by shaving his beard. 

On February 23, 2025, both suspects returned to the Boot Barn in White Settlement, however, employees recognized them and called 9-1-1. The suspects fled prior to officers arriving. 

On February 25, 2025, detectives searched a license plate reader database and determined the suspect’s vehicle was seen in the Northwest area of Fort Worth. As investigators checked the area, they located the suspect vehicle at a motel in the 5800 block of Sandshell Drive.  The Fort Worth Police Department assisted the White Settlement Police Department and both suspects were taken into custody without incident and bonded out of the Tarrant County Jail.  A search warrant was executed on the vehicle and motel room. The search resulted in recovery of multiple pairs of boots, ball caps, and clothing believed to belong to Boot Barn and Cavender’s Boot City. 

The male suspect was identified as 57-year old Valentine Cardenas. His charges include:

• Theft of Property >=$2,500<$30,000 (State Jail Felony) – White Settlement Police Department
• Theft of Property <$2,500 with 2 or More Previous Convictions (State Jail Felony) – White Settlement Police Department
• Theft of Property <$2,500 with 2 or More Previous Convictions (State Jail Felony) – Fort Worth Police Department
• Theft of Property <$2,500 with 2 or More Previous Convictions (State Jail Felony) – Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office

The female suspect was identified as 47-year old Melissa Marez. Her charges include:

• Theft of Property >=$2,500<$30,000 (State Jail Felony) – White Settlement Police Department

Investigators believe that both suspects, a husband and wife team, are involved in a retail theft ring targeting western-style clothing and boot stores across North Texas. Furthermore, it is believed that other family members would sell stolen merchandise and boots on Facebook marketplace. Detectives are working with area departments to link additional offenses and charges to the suspects. The department has not ruled out the possibility of charging additional family members.  

In the three offenses that occurred in our city, the total value of stolen property was $4,875.00. 

 “Deterring retail theft is an important priority for our department and these cases highlight the excellent work completed by our Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Unit,” said Christopher Cook, Director of Public Safety. “Leveraging our license plate reader technology and other databases were crucial in assisting with the identification and apprehension of both suspects. We are also grateful for the collaboration and assistance from Boot Barn and the Fort Worth Police Department in these cases.”  

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/f_nOstU_97g

 XXX