FRIENDSWOOD, Texas — The Friendswood Police Department has identified two suspects connected to a series of wallet thefts and subsequent fraudulent credit card transactions at local grocery stores. The crimes, which occurred on October 3, 2024, targeted elderly shoppers, leading to felony charges against the suspects.
Details of the Incidents
Incident 1: H-E-B Theft
- Date: October 3, 2024
- Location: H-E-B, 701 W. Parkwood Avenue, Friendswood, TX
- Victim: Elderly woman
- Details: The victim realized her wallet was missing at checkout. Shortly after, her credit card was used without authorization at a nearby Walgreens.
- Suspects: Surveillance footage captured a male suspect stealing the wallet. He was seen leaving the scene in a black Nissan Rogue driven by a female accomplice.
Incident 2: Kroger Theft
- Date: October 3, 2024 (same day as the H-E-B theft)
- Location: Kroger, 3135 FM 528, Friendswood, TX
- Victim: Another shopper
- Details: The victim’s wallet was stolen and used for fraudulent purchases at various stores in Houston.
- Connection: Investigators confirmed that the same male suspect from the H-E-B incident was responsible for this theft as well.
Suspects Identified
Following extensive surveillance analysis and investigative efforts, Friendswood detectives identified the suspects as:
- Catina Eggleston, 52, of Chicago, IL
- Everette Cooksey, 60, of Chicago, IL
Both suspects are linked to an organized crime group known for pickpocketing and credit card fraud operations across the country.
Charges Filed
The Galveston County District Attorney’s Office has issued the following arrest warrants:
- Felony Credit Card/Debit Card Abuse of the Elderly for Eggleston and Cooksey
- Felony Theft for Everette Cooksey
Additional charges are expected to be filed in Harris County as the investigation continues.
Ongoing Investigation
Friendswood Police are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to determine the full scope of the suspects’ criminal activities. Given their ties to a larger organized crime network, authorities believe the duo may be responsible for similar thefts in other jurisdictions.
Safety Tips for Shoppers
In light of these incidents, the Friendswood Police Department offers the following tips to prevent wallet theft:
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Secure your belongings: Keep purses zipped and wallets in front pockets.
- Don’t leave bags unattended: Always keep your bag close, preferably with a strap across your body.
- Monitor transactions: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
If you have any information related to these crimes or suspect similar thefts, please contact the Friendswood Police Department.
FAQ
Who are the suspects in the Friendswood wallet thefts?
The suspects are Catina Eggleston, 52, and Everette Cooksey, 60, both from Chicago, IL. They are linked to an organized crime group involved in pickpocketing and credit card fraud.
Where did the thefts occur in Friendswood?
The wallet thefts occurred at H-E-B (701 W. Parkwood Avenue) and Kroger (3135 FM 528) on October 3, 2024.
What charges are the suspects facing?
Both suspects face charges of Felony Credit Card/Debit Card Abuse of the Elderly, with an additional Felony Theft charge for Everette Cooksey. Further charges are pending in Harris County.
How did police identify the suspects?
Police used surveillance footage from the crime scenes and nearby stores, along with investigative efforts, to identify the suspects.
What should I do if I suspect similar thefts in my area?
If you suspect similar crimes, report them to your local police department immediately. Provide any surveillance footage or suspicious activity details to assist with the investigation.
