Judge Issues Warrant For Former El Paso Beauty Queen Accused Of Theft

Judge Ricardo Herrera issued a warrant on Monday for the arrest of a former El Paso beauty queen who was caught allegedly shoplifting in 2011.

Lorena Tavera, who was Miss El Paso in 2008, was supposed to enter a plea in front of Herrera Monday afternoon but never entered the courtroom. She was spotted inside the courthouse by an ABC-7 photographer.

Tavera was scheduled to make a plea for charges of a theft over $50 and under $500 at 2:45 p.m. on Monday, and when Herrea finally called her to the stand at 4 p.m., she was missing. ABC-7 cameras spotted her glued to her phone 20 minutes later just around the corner from the courtroom.

Tavera was arrested in August 2011 when she allegedly took a blouse from the Dillards at Sunland Park Mall, stuffed it in a shopping bag and left without paying, according to El Paso Police officials.

Her mugshot made international headlines, from Perez Hilton to the Daily Mail U.K., but, Monday, when asked by if she wanted to share her side of the story, she simply looked down at her phone and did not reply.

Tavera also remained silent when asked why she did not appear in the courtroom.

If Tavera had shown up Monday and pleaded guilty, the plea offered recommended nine months of probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service.

Phone calls to Tavera’s attorney were not returned by deadline.

Related Link:Link: Photos Of Former Miss El Paso Lorena Tavera