2 men arrested after stealing a Christmas tree and speaker from Orem Walmart, police say

SALT LAKE CITY — Two people were arrested on Tuesday after allegedly stealing a Christmas tree and a speaker from a Walmart in Orem.

A police booking affidavit stated Robert Jesus Rodarte, 39, and Raymond Rodarte, 34, were both arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail after allegedly stealing $827.46 worth of items from the Orem Walmart.

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Police said Robert could be seen on surveillance cameras looking back at a loss prevention officer who was trying to stop the two from leaving without paying for the tree and speaker.

“Both males were seen running through the parking lot while pushing the cart with them,” the affidavit said. “Raymond eventually ditched the cart with the items inside.”

Police said the two could be seen on cameras leaving on foot, only to be seen later in person by police as the two men got inside a vehicle they had left at the scene. 

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Robert and Raymond were pulled over by police while driving on Sandhill Road, where they told an officer who read them their Miranda Rights that they took the tree and speaker for their kids.

“I asked them what happened. They stated they did not steal the items and left them at the store,” police said. “They stated they stole the items for their kids.”

According to the affidavit, police discovered Robert had been convicted twice in the past for theft. He was arrested on Tuesday with charges for retail theft (F3) “for being previously convicted of a felony violation for theft within the last 10 years.”

Raymond was arrested with charges for retail theft (MA) “for passing all points of sale with the unpaid items.”