I cannot thank Centerpole90, RGVAG, and Gentrysmill enough for taking the time to visit over the phone multiple times regarding this situation and put me in touch with the right people, not to mention Centerpole90's stakeout at the suspected yard. Without yall taking the time to find the right motivated law enforcement down there, the thief likely would still be on the street ripping someone else off.

While I am very impressed with the Grayson County Deputy and Investigator, there is no doubt that these folks down in the RGV were the ones who made it happen so quick thanks in large part to these Ag's help. The investigator up here was going to have to wait a month or so to pull tracing records before he could do anything meaningful toward getting the guy picked up, but since he had enough to write the warrant, and there were already engaged law enforcement personnel on the case down there, he was able to go ahead and get the warrant signed ASAP and get this guy arrested.

I am hoping to recover the machine or at least have a positive outcome on the insurance/bond payout side, but all in all, this has been a very encouraging reminder of the Aggie network, and more specifically the TexAgs OB network at work! I also want to add, that while my knowledge base of the RGV is admittedly small, and my view was initially tainted with doubt towards LE down there, that has completely shifted as I have dealt with the guys who have gone above and beyond to help me out down there. Like anywhere, there are some who are more motivated than others and luckily we were able to find those guys.

Really appreciate everyone's feedback and desire to help. I will continue to keep everyone posted on the status of recovering the machine.

Totally unscientific, off the cuff, WAG at where the machine is based on: It is within a 5hr round trip of Falfurrias, it's on the north side of the checkpoint, and it's likely still in Texas (I say that because if he was going to cross it into Mex there are many more ports of entry locally than there are at Laredo). Also assumes he didn't rendezvous with someone who hauled it God knows where.

So the map is supposed to go from Piedras Negras, San Antonio, over to Matagorda area, roughly, but my thumb is not able to get all the way west on the iphone. Totally wild ass guess.

Deerdude said:

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Seems to me if he felt like things heating up, he would not risk the extreme visibility of crossing border with something as obvious as a skid steer. I guess you could sell it on this side and let buyer deal with it.

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We know for a fact that it was taken up through Falfurrias, TX on January 3rd up 281. The camera shows him in the same truck and trailer with my machine northbound at the Falfurrias checkpoint at around 12:20 PM and then headed southbound at the same checkpoint with empty trailer at round 5:20 PM. That creates about a 2-2.5 hour radius putting the machine anywhere from Corpus Christi, South of San Antonio, or Laredo area. I don't think it is likely that the machine is in Mexico. To another poster's credit, once he realized police were involved looking at this as criminal, and the serial number was likely flagged, that probably eliminated any hope of him getting past customs at the border.

Was posting the same time you were...

You made this happen my man. It is crazy to think how close he was to slipping away without you or your broker having any idea his real identity, AT ALL.

Are you looking at places that sell these now? Lots on the market but I bet some are more likely to be trading with questionable suppliers. See the recent Facebook marketplace post note below.

From GROK

Yes, there are several **skid steers** (also called skid steer loaders or compact track loaders) currently for sale in or near **San Antonio, TX**. Listings appear on major sites like MachineryTrader.com, EquipmentTrader.com, Fastline, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and local dealers.

Here are some examples of available options (prices and availability can change quickly, so verify directly):

- **Southern Plains Equipment** (San Antonio area dealer) has multiple Bobcat models, including:
- 2024 John Deere 335 P-Tier (compact track loader): Around $91,000$94,000, low hours (e.g., 7501,150), cab with A/C & heat, high flow hydraulics, joystick controls, backup cameras, etc. High-capacity models (5,750 lb rated lift).
- Various used Bobcat units like T595, S770, T76 (20202022 models) in the $30,000$51,000 range, with features like enclosed cabs, high flow, and low hours.


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- **Facebook Marketplace** (San Antonio): Several private and dealer listings, such as:
- 2015 Caterpillar skid steer: ~$23,500
- 2011 Cat skid steer: ~$20,000
- 2015 JCB skid steer: ~$15,400
- Other recent ones like a $40,000 skid steer (details vary; check for specifics like hours/condition).
-

- **OfferUp** (San Antonio): At least one listed around $40,000 (general skid steer; may include photos/details on
the app/site).

- **Craigslist** (San Antonio section): Mostly attachments and services, but some full units/related sales (e.g., used Bobcat T590 ~$28,000$39,900 in nearby postings, John Deere 314G ~$29,999, or 2021 Kubota models). Search "skid steer" or "skidsteer" for latest; many are owner sales or transport-related.

- **MachineryTrader.com** and similar: Over 1,500+ skid steers listed in/near San Antonio (including Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, Kubota, Takeuchi). Examples include used track loaders in the $30,000$60,000+ range, with filters for year, hours, cab/enclosed, high flow, etc.

- Local dealers:
- **Bobcat of San Antonio** (11146 N Interstate 35): New/used Bobcat skid steers, track loaders, attachments; good for rentals too if buying isn't immediate.
- **HOLT Used Retail Center** (San Antonio): Used heavy equipment including skid steers (often Cat models).
- **Texas Equipment Company**: Specializes in skid steers/loaders, excellent condition units with inspections.

For the most up-to-date listings, check these sites directly:
- MachineryTrader.com (search "skid steers" + "San Antonio, TX")
- EquipmentTrader.com (Texas/San Antonio filters)
- Facebook Marketplace (San Antonio > Vehicles > Skid Steer Loaders)
- Craigslist San Antonio (search "skid steer")
- Fastline.com or local dealer websites

Prices typically range from $15,000$40,000 for used/older models to $50,000+ for newer/low-hour or high-spec ones. Factors like hours, condition, cab vs. open, wheel vs. track, and attachments affect cost. If you have specifics (budget, new/used, brand, track/wheel, hours limit), I can help narrow it down further!

This is a great idea... however I'd think if you bought a skid steer for $7k you knew what you were buying and probably wouldn't list publicly. Maybe I'm wrong.

Yes I have been scouring the web, especially facebook marketplace for any posts that the guy or someone he sold to would potentially post.

He had initially posted it on facebook, apparently under a fake name (of course). I think the investigator said he had the screenshots from that post. Apparently he talked to someone who was talking to him on facebook about the machine. No idea how they were able to find someone who reached out to the thief via facebook.

Perp is here, sans mugshot.

https://cameroncountytx.gov/incoming/inmates/site/

So he really sucks at this theft thing.

I guess I missed his name in this thread

FSGuide said:

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I guess I missed his name in this thread

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Eskid Esteer Estealer

Deerdude said:

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So he really sucks at this theft thing.

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true, but he keeps getting more and more practice, as he is out on the streets when he should be locked up.

Update:

Per the investigator, they seized his three phones and are sending them up north for him to go through.

He said that he should be transported up to Grayson county but there's a chance that the judge will allow him to bail out down there.

Three phones … no telling what is gonna be found on those. Please no bail.

Mr. Frodo said:

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Three phones … no telling what is gonna be found on those. Please no bail.

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It seems insane to let somebody like that out on bail. But my understanding is it's a constitutional right if it's not a violent crime? I have an elementary understanding of all of this as I am not a thief.

Aggie118 said:

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Mr. Frodo said:

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Three phones … no telling what is gonna be found on those. Please no bail.

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It seems insane to let somebody like that out on bail. But my understanding is it's a constitutional right if it's not a violent crime? I have a elementary understanding of all of this as I am not a thief.

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I agree.

My FIL retired last year as a jailer or something with Hidalgo county (he is a Marine, 26 years in, 2 tours of Vietnam and didn't want a job where he couldn't carry a gun, great man) and what he always related was that the border county jails are always full up with all kinds of arrestees. Many of the inmates have federal holds so they can't cut them loose quickly and they don't get bail. There used to be a big private one out CP's way, but it was shut down due to corruption, shocking I know, or something.

LEO will get the bad guys in the RGV, or make a hard effort to, but many times they are cut loose quickly. In a morbid positive frame, there are quite few jail house deaths in the RGV, someone is always beetching about treatment. Those are not nice places at all.

Seems like a problem that tents, barbed wire, and guard towers armed with automatic weapons could solve.

Aggie118 said:

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Update:

Per the investigator, they seized his three phones and are sending them up north for him to go through.

He said that he should be transported up to Grayson county but there's a chance that the judge will allow him to bail out down there.

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Iirc, Grayson County would have the right to go get him first IF they would. IF they won't, then he could bail out there.
My convicted thief had gotten out on an appeal bond after his conviction and state jail felony prison sentence. He then fled out of state and was caught a year and a half later in West Virginia for another theft. Small county sent a vehicle to go get him and take to prison back in Texas, probably because the district judge was tired of me asking him where my thief was he had bonded out on appeal. I don't think he appreciated my office visits…

Posted this to Encourage you to follow this case through the system.

I had my truck stolen a few years after I got out of college, 3 weeks after it was stolen the guy was caught on the beach in Galveston. Anyway got the truck back but it had some damage so insurance fixed it. Cost about $5k to fix everything, tow it back to Htown car repair, etc etc etc. it had sand all over in it and he broke the seats and fender was dented plus it had an odor. anyway the court called me and asked how much money I wanted from the guy, I said I'll take the $5k, the court agreed to give me $6k for some reason (maybe other cost can't remember). I received $150 checks for months until the $6k was repaid, I guess the guy had to pay the court monthly or get hauled back in?

Anyway, I hope they find the machine and you get it back.

I'll volunteer to go get him for you. My truck has a flatbed so he would have plenty of room to be comfortable. I can handcuff him to gooseneck ball. Pick him up Friday afternoon. Not a problem and you are very welcome.

Aggie118 said:

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Do yall know if there is anything I can be doing, or anyone I can be talking to, to help influence that outcome (him being brought up here/not immediately released)?

Would love for this guy to have to at least make the trip up here but do not know which trees to shake. Seems like the investigator would at least like to talk to the guy.

ETA: Maybe thats the Grayson county DA's office?

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Maybe check with Victim Services/Victim Advocate?

https://www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/davs.contact

In my experience, the victim has to stay in touch with the district attorney's office and follow the case. They want to put everyone on probation repeatedly and not have a trial to send thieves to prison. My thief had been on probation numerous times for various offenses but had never been to state prison. With his county appointed and paid attorney, he would only accept a plea bargain that did not include prison time, which I had to not accept as the victim. He eventually got 18 months for the state jail felony and had to serve the entire 18 months.
It's just another case number to the DA office, and they have hundreds if not thousands of case numbers to dispose of. Probation is the easiest and the county gets paid every month for every probationer. They estimated his 3 day district court trial cost the county 25,000.