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3 arrested in multi-million-dollar heist at East Texas native Tony Buzbee's home, Aggie ring still missing

The stolen items include valuable paintings and watches, much of which has not been recovered.

HOUSTON — Police have arrested three suspected gang members in the February burglary of Tony Buzbee's home, the Houston mayoral candidate says.

Buzbee posted on Facebook late Thursday that the items stolen from his home, which have an estimated value of more than $5 million, are still missing.

"I want to thank the Houston Police Department for making three arrests in the burglary of my home. The investigation continues in trying to locate all the stuff stolen, which includes my Aggie ring," wrote Buzbee. "After I authorized the offering of a $50,000 reward, an individual who claimed to have info contacted my law office."

That information led to the arrests.

RELATED: 3 guns, $50,000 worth of watches stolen from Tony Buzbee's River Oaks mansion

Records show among those arrested are Nicholas Johnson and Julian Franklin. Both have lengthy criminal histories.

Credit: HPD
Those accused of the February burglary at Buzbee’s River Oaks home include Nicholas Johnson and Julian Franklin.

Among the stolen items were six valuable paintings, watches, computers and guns. But the item Buzbee really misses?

“They took my (Texas A&M) Aggie ring,” he said.  “I want that back.”

He now wants quick justice.

“We don’t have enough people,” he said. “We don’t have enough police officers. A lot of us think we are invincible. Guess what? I don’t care where you live. This kind of thing happens day after day after day.”

According to probable cause read in court, Franklin tried selling a Rolex watch from Buzbee’s collection to a drug-dealing friend. Authorities said that friend turned on Franklin. She called Buzbee and texted him photos of his stolen stuff, according to prosecutors. She also helped police make arrests.

Buzbee got his phone back and expects police to find his pricey paintings, too. However, he fears his ring is long gone.

Buzbee has hired security to protect what he feels Houston Police cannot.

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