JERSEY VILLAGE, Texas (KTRK) — A quick response from Jersey Village police led to the recovery of stolen tailgates and the arrest of two suspects on July 24. The incident began when police received two separate calls in the morning reporting tailgates stolen from trucks parked in a neighborhood. The incidents occurred less than a mile apart.
Lt. Daniel Rodriguez explained that one of the victims decided to check Facebook Marketplace, hoping to find their stolen tailgate. They found a listing that matched the description of their missing tailgate, being sold under the name “Darren Cassidy,” which police later identified as a fake name. The account had 38 tailgates listed for sale, with the victim’s tailgate priced at $350.
In coordination with police, the victim arranged a meeting with the seller. Officers set up a sting operation, during which they confirmed the tailgate’s identity using the key. The sellers, 17-year-old Samuel Worthy, who was on probation for previous tailgate thefts, and his 22-year-old brother Josiah Worthy, were arrested. Both brothers live with their mother, according to court records.
Police identified Samuel Worthy in a photo posted to Facebook, where his silhouette was reflected in the black paint of the stolen tailgate. The background of the photo showed a house that matched the description of the Worthy brothers’ home. When officers visited the residence, they spotted several tailgates in the backyard through a broken fence.
A search warrant was executed at the home, resulting in the recovery of over 20 tailgates, mostly from Ford, Toyota, and Dodge Ram trucks, in various colors such as silver, black, and white.
Samuel Worthy has been released on a $20,000 bond, while Josiah Worthy remains in custody with a $15,000 bond.
The Jersey Village Police Department has returned some of the stolen tailgates to their owners but still has 19 unclaimed. They are working to determine the origins and timing of the thefts. Anyone who believes their tailgate might be among the recovered items is encouraged to contact the Jersey Village PD at (713) 466-2123. To claim a tailgate, individuals must provide a copy of the police report indicating the tailgate was stolen and the key to unlock it.
