Judicial authorities in Bannock County have filed multiple criminal charges against Joshua James Montalvo, 41, following a series of alleged thefts at a local Walmart. The defendant faces three counts of burglary and one count of grand theft related to incidents involving electric bicycles and other merchandise.
Law enforcement officials responded to the retail location on July 29 after receiving reports that Montalvo was attempting to cut security wiring from an e-bike. During that encounter, investigators allege he placed two e-bike batteries into his backpack. Store employees told authorities this incident marked the third or fourth time Montalvo had attempted to steal electric bikes from their establishment.
The charges stem from a pattern of alleged shoplifting and burglary spanning several weeks in July. According to court documents, Montalvo engaged in a tag-switching scheme on three separate occasions.
On July 3, Montalvo allegedly switched a price tag from a cheaper bicycle onto an e-bike valued at $672.00. He then purchased the item using the incorrect tag, paying only $398.00. Three days later, on July 6, he reportedly repeated the same method for another e-bike with the same value and retail price discrepancy. During that visit, he also allegedly shoplifted multiple items from the electronics section.
A third incident occurred on July 15. Montalvo is accused of swapping an e-bike tag for one valued at $148.00. The bike involved in this transaction was also valued at $672.00.
After reviewing evidence from these three incidents, law enforcement arrested Montalvo and transported him to the Bannock County Jail. A warrant for his arrest was subsequently filed on September 16, alleging that he violated conditions of his pretrial release. The warrant was returned on September 17.
Montalvo is represented by a public defender from the Idaho State Public Defender’s Office. He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on September 28.
If found guilty on all counts, Montalvo faces significant penalties. The maximum potential prison sentence for the combined charges is up to 44 years. Additionally, he could be subject to fines totaling up to $155,000.