Mechanic awaiting trial accused of taking money from another customer, victim says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston mechanic already awaiting trial on accusations he stole cars and parts from customers is now facing new allegations from another customer who says the charges haven't stopped him.

Last year, Carlos Mireles was charged with theft after multiple customers accused him of taking vehicles and parts without completing repairs. One victim previously told ABC13 that Mireles even bragged that police wouldn't take action.

Now, another alleged victim says he had a similar experience.

"This person is just going to continue doing this," said Garrett Jester.

Jester says his troubles began last October when the transmission in his Ford Transit Connect failed. The 58-year-old disabled Army veteran says he found a mechanic online and took his van to a repair shop on Jensen Drive.

He says he paid $1,200 upfront for parts and labor to begin the repair.

But weeks turned into months. When he returned in January, he says both the mechanic and his transmission were gone.

"The owner of the property said he left a bunch of vehicles there from customers, owed money, and just vanished," Jester said.

Jester filed a report with the Houston Police Department.

In May 2025, ABC13 reported on Mireles' arrest after investigators accused him of stealing roughly $40,000 worth of cars and parts from customers.

Another customer, Juan Agosto, said instead of repairing his Jeep, Mireles sold it.

"I don't know how he keeps doing it to people. It's heartless," Agosto said at the time.

After seeing that report, Jester says he recognized the same man.

"How many times does a person have to commit these crimes before they're held accountable?" he said.

On Friday, ABC13 visited the auto repair shop on Jensen Drive, where workers verified Jester's claims. They said Mireles worked out of the location but had his own customers.

Mireles, who has been out on bond for nearly a year, is scheduled to stand trial in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Jester's van remains at the repair shop and is no longer drivable.

"Other people have to know that he's out there so that when they see him, they can run away," Jester said.

Mireles' attorney, Jacob Vela, tells ABC13 he is not aware of the new allegations and notes his client has not been charged in this latest case. He also maintains that the previous accusations are civil, not criminal.

The Better Business Bureau advises customers to be cautious about paying for auto repairs upfront, as it is not standard industry practice.

HPD says Jester's case is still under investigation.