April 18, 2016 - A Center man has been arrested by the Center Police Department in connection with a burglary and arson investigation relating to the CASA of Deep East Texas office in Center.
According to the arrest affidavit obtained by Shelby County Today, on Friday, April 8, 2016 at about 9am Center Police Detective David Haley responded to 131 Porter Street to investigate a burglary at the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) office.
When Detective David Haley arrived he observed smoke coming from the CASA office. As he entered the office, he observed all of the rooms were filled with smoke, and the whole office was ransacked.
CASA representatives advised Det. Haley three computers and some office supplies had been taken. It was also determined a large amount of files had been set on fire and burnt in the sink of the bathroom.
The affidavit states at 11:30am on April 8 the parents of Giovani Angel, 19, of Center contacted Det. Haley over concerns for their son in relation to some computers in their cargo trailer and asked Det. Haley to look at the items.
When Det. Haley arrived at the residence, he observed three computers with CASA stickers on them and some office supplies. Det. Haley reported finding some of the supplies in Angel's backpack along with a maroon toboggan which had a strong odor of smoke. The affidavit also states Angel's mother gave Det. Haley some clothing and stated Angel was wearing them and the clothing smelled like smoke.
Giovani Angel was arrested on April 12, 2016 and charged with burglary of a building, felony 4; and arson, felony 2.
