HOUSTON -- A Harris County man who lost his job a few months ago began stealing from people he knows to make ends meet, according to his wife.
Juan Robles, 24, was arrested by Harris County Sheriff's deputies this week and charged with theft.
Investigators say Robles stole at least four trucks, two jet skis and some tools over a two-month period that ended in September.
Detectives said a GPS tracking device in a stolen Ford F450 led them to Robles’ home in the 1800 block of Kowis. When his wife opened the garage for detectives, they found more than a $100,000 worth of stolen property.
The items included a bed and tailgate that were traced to a truck stolen from Daniel Sanchez in mid-September, according to arrest records.
"When I came outside, my wife told me my truck was gone," said Sanchez.
The truck was found a short time later, but it had been stripped, according to Sanchez.
Robles and Sanchez were classmates at MacArthur High School in Aldine ISD.
"We used to play ball together," said Sanchez.
Sanchez believes Robles’ alleged actions are a sign of the times.
"That’s the way guys are making a living now. It’s hard times. We are in crisis and I think everyone is going to stealing," he said.
Juan Robles’ wife did not want to comment on camera. Deputies say she told them that she didn't like what her husband had been doing.
Robles is out of jail on a $300,000 bond. He will be in court in December.
