SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Two brothers were arrested Tuesday after allegedly stealing a Christmas tree and speaker from a Walmart in Orem.
According to a police affidavit, Robert Jesus Rodarte (39) and Raymond Rodarte (34) were booked into the Utah County Jail for allegedly stealing $827.46 worth of items.
Police said surveillance footage showed Robert looking back at a loss prevention officer as the pair tried to leave the store with the unpaid items. The affidavit states, “Both males were seen running through the parking lot while pushing the cart with them,” and Raymond eventually abandoned the cart before leaving on foot.
Later, both were seen entering a vehicle they had left at the scene. When stopped on Sandhill Road, the brothers told police they took the items for their children. “They stated they did not steal the items and left them at the store,” according to the affidavit.
Robert Rodarte has two prior theft convictions and was charged with retail theft (F3) for being previously convicted of a felony theft within the last 10 years. Raymond Rodarte was charged with retail theft (MA) for passing all points of sale with unpaid items.
