An investigation into the theft of nearly $15,000 in Lowe’s merchandise has led to the arrest of two Branson residents; including an employee of the home improvement store.
The Hollister Police Department reports officers were dispatched to Lowe’s in Hollister for past stealing on Saturday, October 31. Upon arrival, they were informed an employee, Yesenia Estrada-Cruz, 48, of Branson had been stealing merchandise from the store since she was hired in June 2026.
When interviewed by authorities, Cruz admitted to stealing merchandise from Lowe’s on the days she worked at the store approximately 49 times. Additionally, she admitted to stealing approximately a minimum of $300 worth of merchandise each time, for an estimated total price of $14,700 in tools, cleaning supplies, dog food, and household items, according to the probable cause statement filed by the Hollister Police Department.
Cruz also told officers she had some of the stolen merchandise in her vehicle in the parking lot and more at her residence, which she offered to return to the store. The suspect took officers to her vehicle where she retrieved multiple assortments of tools. Joined by officers at her residence, Cruz retrieved several items from a vehicle in the driveaway, as well as multiple items from inside the home and the front porch, including a chop saw, Kreg jig tool, and plants in flowerpots. In total, approximately $10,000 in merchandise was recovered from the residence, according to the statement.
When authorities informed her that a search warrant for her residence would be requested, Cruz became uncooperative, attempted to retreat back inside of the home and resisted being put into handcuffs. After multiple attempts to secure her, Cruz was successfully placed into custody, according to the statement.
During the investigation, as officers attempted to secure the residence, Nelson Sevilla-Mulet, 30, of Branson, retreated inside the home after being ordered multiple times to exit. He then attempted to shut the door, pull away and resist arrest when authorities attempted to detain him. The suspect also tripped a detective, causing them to both fall to the ground, and spat in the face of a sergeant as he was being placed in the patrol car, according to a separate probable cause statement.
Both Crus and Seville-Mulet were arrested by the Taney County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Taney County Jail. Cruz has been charged with Felony Stealing-$750 or More and Felony Resisting/Interfering with Felony Arrest. Sevilla-Mulet has been charged with 3rd Degree Felony Assault and Felony Resisting/Interfering with Felony Arrest. They are each awaiting their initial court appearances, which have been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, according to online jail records and court documents.
