Ruben Castaneda

Name:
Castaneda, Ruben Vargas

Date of Booking:
05/13/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Public Indecency, 1st Or 2nd Conviction

Public Indecency, 1st Or 2nd Conviction

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On 05/08/2026, I, Officer Warnack, responded to 875 Shugart Rd (Home Depot) in reference to lewd acts. I met with the manager, [WITNESS #1].

[WITNESS #1] stated that multiple females had complained about a male later identified as Ruben Castaneda for showing a picture of his genitals. [WITNESS #1] called the asset protection office to send me footage of the event that occurred. While waiting [WITNESS #1] guided me to where Ruben was located. Once I approached Ruben and asked him what occurred, he stated that he does not know and that maybe it was an accident. Ruben admitted to having pictures of his genitals on his phone. Ruben would not give any other statement besides “I don’t know.” Ruben appeared anxious and was pacing back and forth. Ruben requested that we go to his truck, which I refused.

Officer Greer arrived on scene and stayed with Ruben while I reviewed camera footage provided by [WITNESS #2], who works for asset protection, and witnessed what оссurred via camera footage. You can see Ruben open a picture that appears to be a p*nis beside a female named [VICTIM #1]. He then zooms in on the picture. [VICTIM #1] did not see the picture and has no other involvement.

On 05/06/2026, a female worker by the name of [VICTIM #2] can be seen working the self-checkout. [VICTIM #2] can be seen hugging Ruben at register 61 and then helping him with his order. Ruben puts his phone down at the self-checkout. You can see there is an image pulled up, but it is not visible. [VICTIM #2] then goes to register 51 to clean it directly behind Ruben. Ruben then asks [VICTIM #2] to help with his order, and he proceeds over to register 51. He then puts his phone back down in front of [VICTIM #2].

When talking to [VICTIM #2], she stated that the staff has known Ruben for years and has never had an issue till this occurrence. [VICTIM #2] stated that is why she hugged him. [VICTIM #2] stated that she observed Ruben put his phone down at register 61 with a picture of genitals on the screen. [VICTIM #2] stated she thought this was a mistake at first, so she walked away to continue doing her job.

[VICTIM #2] stated while she was cleaning register 51 Ruben stated he actually needs to pay cash and for her to help him. [VICTIM #2] stated that she moved Ruben’s order to register 51. [VICTIM #2] stated that Ruben once again had the image up and placed the phone in front of her. [VICTIM #2] stated that she then knew this was not a mistake, and she reported it to her boss immediately.

On 05/02/2026, Ruben can be seen checking out at register 4. He is checking out with a working name, [VICTIM #3]. He can be seen opening the picture during checkout and quickly showing it to [VICTIM #3]. He then shortly after closing his phone, opens the picture again and places it on the checkout counter right in front of [VICTIM #3]. The picture is hard to see over camera, but it appears to be a picture of Ruben’s genitals.

I talked to [VICTIM #3] over a phone call, and [VICTIM #3] stated that she has known Ruben for years due to him being a known customer and has never had issues before. [VICTIM #3] stated on 05/02/2026 Ruben was checking out at her counter. [VICTIM #3] stated that Ruben quickly showed her a picture, but she thought he was just using his reward points. [VICTIM #3] stated that Ruben then asked, “did you see it?” “[VICTIM #3] stated that she was confused, and that is when Ruben pulled up a picture of his genitals and laid it on the counter in front of her where she could see. [VICTIM #3] stated that she told Ruben he is “f*cking crazy.” [VICTIM #3] stated Ruben apologized from there, and she went to her boss to report it.

Due to all the victims’ statements and camera footage with Ruben having no defense on what occurred, I decided to arrest him for two counts of indecent exposure. I searched Ruben in front of my patrol vehicle and placed him in the rear. I informed Ruben per management he is no longer allowed back at home depot, or he will be arrested.

I went en route to Whitfield County Jail. Once at the jail, I locked my gun in the jail lockbox. I brought Ruben inside. I then went back out and searched my patrol vehicle. It was also searched prior to transport.

I received warrant #W26-791 for 2 counts of indecent exposure. I served Ruben the warrant. I seized Ruben’s phone for evidence and secured it at 301 Jone St. The possible phone pin that Ruben gave me was [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. The phone was cracked on the screen prior to me receiving it.

[End of Narrative]