Miami couple jailed in Martin County after crime spree

Esther Terrell, left, and Basil Walkes, center, are being held without bond on multiple theft and burglary charges. The poodle they were traveling with, at right, is being cared for by the Humane Society. Photos by MCSO

A couple traveling from Miami are being held in the Martin County Jail without bond after they were captured by sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday, July 6, following a string of crimes, according to authorities.

Esther Terrell, 26, and Basil Alfred Alonso Walkes, 39, are charged with breaking into vehicles in Stuart, stealing credit cards, and using the cards to purchase gift cards at a Walgreen’s pharmacy and gas station in Palm Beach County, and then again to buy gift cards at a Walgreen’s store in Stuart.

Each is charged with two counts of burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, two counts of petit theft greater than $100, and two counts of criminal mischief greater than $200 but less than $1,000. Walkes is charged with two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, and Terrell is charged with possession of stolen credit cards.

Walkes is also wanted in Georgia on charges for similar crimes. The poodle that the couple was traveling with was taken into protective custody by MCSO Animal Services Officers. She will remain at the Humane Society until the suspects designate a caretaker for the animal.