Ruth Triana, 39, of San Antonio, was sentenced to 20 years in the Texas Department of Corrections after being found guilty of Robbery and Theft with Two or More Previous Convictions by a Comal County jury. Judge Tracie Wright-Reneau of the 207th District Court issued the sentence on October 9, 2024.
The charges stem from a May 26, 2020, incident at a Kohl’s store in New Braunfels. According to court testimony, Triana attempted to steal merchandise when a loss prevention officer observed her actions. After noticing she was being watched, Triana removed a taser from her purse, activated it, and advanced toward the officer in a threatening manner. The officer retreated and contacted the New Braunfels Police Department.
When officers arrived, Triana was found in the store’s bathroom concealing items in her purse. Upon exiting, she attempted to flee but was detained following a brief struggle. Triana admitted to officers that she intended to steal the merchandise.
During the trial, the jury reviewed surveillance footage and heard testimony from law enforcement, the Kohl’s loss prevention officer, and a prior robbery victim. During the punishment phase, prosecutors presented evidence of Triana’s history of robbery offenses, including convictions in Bexar and Hays Counties where she similarly threatened loss prevention officers with a taser.
Assistant District Attorneys Henna Le Vasseur and Karlei Neufeld prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the New Braunfels Police Department. Triana's 20-year sentence reflects her repeated criminal behavior and prior convictions for robbery.
