Police viewed security video from a local child care center on S. Friendswood Drive, along with video from an ATM at Texas First Bank, 111 W. Parkwood, to develop a suspect in the case. The videos revealed the thieves in a newer model silver Ford Edge parked across the street from the child care center, approach a vehicle within minutes, enter the vehicle and take a purse. The credit cards were then used at Texas First Bank and an area Wal-Mart.
An officer patrolling the 300 block of S. Friendswood at 8:06 a.m. Wednesday observed the vehicle and stopped them. Charles and Richardson were initially taken into custody for traffic violations. Billotto was taken into custody later in the day when she arrived at the police department to visit the pair in jail. She later admitted to her involvement in the credit card abuse.
Police officials also noted that Billotto is on probation for Grand Theft in Florida. Florida officials said they will apply to revoke her probation. She was transferred to the Harris County jail early this morning. Richardson is out on bond in Florida for Delivery of a Controlled Substance charge. He has been released to Pearland investigators. Charles is out on bond in North Carolina for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Credit Card Abuse. He is awaiting transfer to the Galveston County jail.
During a search of the group's hotel room in Webster, a laptop reported stolen in Florida and an I-phone related to a vehicle burglary in Pearland were recovered.
Police believe the trio may be responsible for multiple vehicle burglaries in the area and are working with agencies in Brazoria and Harris counties to determine if additional charges should be filed.
Since February 7, seventeen vehicle burglaries have been reported to Friendswood Police. Some vehicles were left unlocked, others had windows smashed to gain entry or a door lock popped to gain entry. In each case, the victim left a purse, wallet or other valuable item in clear view inside the vehicle. Police urge residents to remove valuables from vehicles and make sure vehicles are locked.
