The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest connected to what is believed to be a large multi-state theft ring that has been operating in Arkansas and Texas. A man from Irving, Texas, 43-year-old Roberto Jose Flores, was arrested Thursday afternoon after he tried to purchase two ATVs at a Baxter County business with counterfeit checks.
According to the incident report, Flores told investigators his employer in Texas provides checks and business cards so employees can purchase items such as ATVs, trailers and other items and then bring them back. Flores admitted he was aware the checks were counterfeit and he would forge the signature on the checks to make the purchases. He says he started making purchases in Texas then progressed into Arkansas.
Flores told investigators his boss has large maps where he marks where purchases have been made by his employees. He tells them he does not like to buy too much in one area. Flores says the phone number on the business cards changes every three days, but it always rings his boss. Flores also says the business card and check information is changed to match local areas where they are using the checks to make the purchases.
Flores admitted to making purchases in Jacksonville and Jonesboro. Investigators in Bono, Beebe and Hempstead County all have cases involving Flores as well.
In the local case, Flores allegedly tried to purchase two ATVs valued at over $26,600 from Next Level Sports and an item from Acumen next door for $700. When the manager called to verify the checks, he was advised the checks were bogus, so he contacted the sheriff’s office.
A deputy responding arrived as Flores was returning to the business and made the arrest. In the truck Flores was driving was a folder with more blank checks and business cards for the fake business. Flores also had an ID belonging to Jose Palacios. He later told investigators some unfortunate person had lost it and he had been using it.
Flores was also in possession of a trailer that had been purchased from Williams Motor Company in Harrison with a counterfeit check. It was taken into evidence.
Locally, Flores is facing charges of theft by receiving, criminal attempt, seven counts of forgery and theft of property. His bond is set at $75,000.
He has holds placed on him for warrants out of Garland County and Denton County, Texas.
Investigators say they are still working with Texas authorities on the case.
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