MCTXSheriff Arrests Two for Theft at Cell Phone Tower in Magnolia

MAGNOLIA, TX -- On March 23, 2024, at about 11:30 p.m., Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office District 4 West Patrol Division responded to a theft in progress call at the cell phone tower located in the 4200 block FM 1486. The caller informed dispatch their security camera live feed detected two males stealing metal and cameras from the location and fleeing the scene in a U-Haul truck.

MCTXSheriff units, along with the Magnolia Police Department, quickly converged on the area and located the suspect vehicle occupied by two males, matching the descriptions given by the 911 caller.

Billie Scott Robinson, 58-year-old male out of Houston, Texas, and Edward Garner Schoppe, 43-year-old male out of Onalaska, Texas, were arrested and charged with felony theft. Robinson is currently on Parole from T.D.C.J. for multiple criminal charges, including burglary and criminal mischief. Schoppe is currently on Probation out of Rusk County for possession of a controlled Substance. Due to their lengthy criminal histories, both Schoppe and Robinson are currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail with No Bond.

We would like to express our gratitude to The Magnolia Police Department for their invaluable assistance in apprehending these two criminals. Collaborations like these underscore the significance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies and send a strong message: Career criminals like these have no place in Montgomery County.