[WeightWatchyshow]

Ex-Miss El Paso reportedly apologized

By Adriana M. Chávez \ EL PASO TIMES
Posted: 08/12/2011 12:00:00 AM MDT

A former Miss El Paso USA apologized to security officers after she was allegedly caught shoplifting, according to her arrest affidavit.
Police arrested Miss El Paso USA 2008 Lorena Tavera, 21, on suspicion of shoplifting Aug. 5 at the Dillard's store at Sunland Park Mall.
According to her arrest affidavit, at about 6:45 p.m. Friday, Tavera and two friends were near a dressing room at Dillard's when Tavera was spotted on a store security camera stuffing a $69 Jessica Simpson-brand shirt into a plastic shopping bag, then attempted to leave the store.
Store security personnel followed Tavera outside and stopped her as her two friends walked away.
As she spoke with security personnel, Tavera allegedly returned the shirt and apologized.
Dillard's employees kept Tavera at the store until police arrived.
According to the affidavit, store workers told police they wanted to press charges.
Tavera faces a charge of theft for an item over $50 but under $500.
She also had two outstanding traffic warrants.
Jail records show she was booked into the El Paso County Jail early Saturday and released Saturday afternoon after posting a $728 bond.
Word of Tavera's arrest spread quickly throughout the Internet and as far away as England and Asia.
Popular gossip sites Perez Hilton and the Huffington Post also posted the news, along with Tavera's police mug shot.
Adriana M. Chávez may be reached at achavez@elpasotimes.com;546-6117.