If you have information about any of these cases, email or call the Criminal Investigation Division toll free at 800-531-5441, Ext. 3-8707. You do not have to disclose your name.
Case Closed
The CID may not always get its man (or woman), but we do get quite a few. Here are some recent examples:
February 2025
Fourteen Years for Fuel Thief
Banguela-Perez
Alexander Banguela-Perez, 49, of Mesquite, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Between June and August 2022, the defendant and his co-defendants illegally acquired diesel fuel by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit card information. The defendant utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting and delivering motor fuel.
A Smith County district judge sentenced Banguela-Perez to 14 years’ incarceration (with 703 days jail time credit) for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Jailed for Stealing
Hernandez
Yosbel Nunez Hernandez, 44, of Houston, was convicted of two counts of evading motor fuel tax. On March 28, 2023, the defendant broke into the gas pump at a closed gas station and used a pulsar tampering device to steal approximately 400 gallons of diesel fuel worth about $1,600.
A Waller County district judge sentenced Hernandez to four years’ incarceration, and he was given 645 days’ jail time credit due to being in custody for over a year for evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
November 2024
Twelve Years for Fuel Thief
Cespedes
Roaldis Alejo Cespedes, 42, of Irving, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Between June and August 2022, the defendant and his co-defendants illegally acquired fuel by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit card information. The defendant used vehicles modified to acquire, transport and deliver motor fuel.
A Smith County district judge sentenced Cespedes to 12 years’ incarceration (with 617 days jail time credit) for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Crime Does Not Pay
Madera-Manteira
Einsling Javier Madera-Manteira, 35, of Houston, was convicted of evading motor fuel tax and unlawful use of a criminal instrument.
On July 21, 2023, the defendant and his co-defendant utilized a pulsar tampering device to steal approximately 97 gallons of gasoline. The defendant delivered the illegally acquired fuel into a vehicle modified to receive, transport and deliver large quantities of unlawfully appropriated motor fuel.
A Burleson County district judge sentenced Madera-Manteira to four years’ incarceration for evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and four years’ incarceration for unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentences will run concurrently in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the defendant was given 302 days jail time credit.
Five Years for Fuel Thief
Martinez-Delrisco
Yurisman Martinez-Delrisco, 29, of Arlington, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Between November and December 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants illegally acquired fuel by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit card information. The defendant utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting and delivering motor fuel.
A Delta County district judge sentenced Martinez-Delrisco to five years’ incarceration (with 256 days jail time credit) for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Do the Crime, Serve the Time
Reed
Antwan Chane Reed Jr., 29, of Memphis, Tenn., was convicted of evading motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents.
On Jan. 30, 2023, the defendant manipulated a fuel dispenser pump with a factory remote control device.
A Cass County district judge sentenced Reed Jr. to three years’ incarceration (with 36 days jail time credit) and a $2,000 fine for transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
October 2024
Motor fuel thief sentenced
Delacruz
Duniesky Vizcay Delacruz, 39, of Corpus Christi, was convicted of evading motor fuel tax and theft of a petroleum product valued at less than $10,000.
In July 2023, the defendant intentionally and knowingly evaded motor fuel tax by illegally acquiring approximately 97 gallons of diesel fuel using a pulsar tampering device. The defendant delivered the fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank in his vehicle.
A Burleson County district judge sentenced Delacruz to 4 years’ incarceration for evading motor fuel tax and 12 months incarceration for the theft of petroleum, to run concurrently, and Delacruz was given 220 days’ jail time credit.
15 Years for Fuel Thief
Ramon Perez-Torres
Ramon Perez-Torres, 31, of Mesquite, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Between June and August 2022, the defendant and his co-defendants illegally acquired fuel by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit card information. The defendant utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting, and delivering motor fuel. The offenses occurred across multiple jurisdictions from Denton County to Anderson County, Texas.
A Smith County district judge sentenced Perez-Torres to 15 years’ incarceration, and he was given 486 days jail time credit for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Do the Crime, Serve the Time
Pedro Julio Ruiz-Llanes
Pedro Julio Ruiz-Llanes, 33, of Burleson, was convicted of transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, evading motor fuel tax and unlawful use of a criminal instrument.
On June 5, 2023, the defendant utilized a vehicle modified to receive, transport and deliver large quantities of unlawfully appropriated motor fuel. The motor fuel was obtained by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit/debit card information.
A Johnson County district judge sentenced Ruiz-Llanes to four years’ incarceration, and he was given 176 days jail time credit for transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Unlawful use of a criminal instrument is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Breaking the state's laws is a losing proposition. Read about those who found that out the hard way.
January 2025
January 30
Dmitry Yanishevsky, 49, of Murphy, pleaded guilty to a tobacco books and records violation.
A Collin County district judge sentenced the defendant to 5 years’ deferred adjudication, 60 hours of community service, and a $500 fine.
In June 2024, an investigation revealed the defendant failed to keep books and records for four years as required by statute for the tobacco products displayed for sale at his retail location.
January 29
Amin Chagani, 54, of Grapevine, was arrested for alleged prohibited e-cigarette products.
An investigation revealed that the suspect had over 1,100 prohibited e-cigarette products displayed for sale or advertised in his store. Each of these prohibited e-cigarette product container included an image of a celebrity or an image that resembles a food product, including candy or juice.
Chagani is charged with attempting to sell prohibited e-cigarette products, a Class B misdemeanor.
The case is pending prosecution in Hill County.
January 15
Humberto Diaz Vazquez, 41, of Midland, was arrested for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax.
An investigation revealed the suspect intentionally and knowingly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by possessing approximately 600 gallons of dyed diesel fuel stored in several plastic totes, metal auxiliary fuel tanks and truck tractor supply tanks on his property. In Texas, non-taxable diesel is dyed red to distinguish it from taxable diesel. Red-dyed diesel is authorized almost exclusively for off-road, agricultural use by permit holders only.
Vasquez is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The case is pending prosecution in Midland County.
Yasmani Rodriguez Bejerano, 36, of Midland, was arrested for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax.
An investigation revealed the suspect intentionally and knowingly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by possessing approximately 600 gallons of dyed diesel fuel stored in several plastic totes, metal auxiliary fuel tanks and truck tractor supply tanks on his property. In Texas, non-taxable diesel is dyed red to distinguish it from taxable diesel. Red-dyed diesel is authorized almost exclusively for off-road, agricultural use by permit holders only.
Bejerano is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The case is pending prosecution in Midland County.
Yasmany Caceres Canto, 37, of Austin, was indicted for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
An investigation found the defendant illegally acquired approximately 30 gallons of diesel fuel, worth approximately $99.00 using a stolen credit card without the owner’s consent. The defendant delivered the illegally acquired diesel fuel into an aftermarket auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of his truck.
The case is pending prosecution in Hays County.
January 10
Yadriel Tejeda-Toledo, 29, of Odessa, was arrested for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax.
An investigation revealed that the suspect did intentionally and knowingly evade or attempt to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by unlawfully appropriating approximately 460 gallons of diesel fuel valued at approximately $1,500 by using a pulsar device to manipulate the pump.
Tejada-Toledo is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.
January 1
Patrick James Garland, Jr., 39, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was arrested for allegedly failing to produce books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation revealed the suspect and his co-defendants intentionally and knowingly committed a books and records violation after failing to keep and provide books and records for the 987 cartons of cigarettes, stolen from out of state, that were found in his possession.
The case is pending prosecution in Fort Stockton County.
James Soloman Blocker Jr., 37, of Fontana, Calif., was arrested for allegedly failing to produce books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation revealed the suspect and his co-defendants intentionally and knowingly committed a books and records violation after failing to keep and provide books and records for the 987 cartons of cigarettes, stolen from out of state, that were found in his possession.
The case is pending prosecution in Fort Stockton County.
Lorenzo Lamar Taylor, 39, of Dallas, was arrested for allegedly failing to produce books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation revealed the suspect and his co-defendants intentionally and knowingly committed a books and records violation after failing to keep and provide books and records for the 987 cartons of cigarettes, stolen from out of state, that were found in his possession.
The case is pending prosecution in Fort Stockton County.
Jovan Collins, 34, of San Bernardino, Calif., was arrested for allegedly failing to produce books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation revealed the suspect and his co-defendants intentionally and knowingly committed a books and records violation after failing to keep and provide books and records for the 987 cartons of cigarettes, stolen from out of state, that were found in his possession.
The case is pending prosecution in Fort Stockton County.
Nemirah Davidson, 38, of Upland, Calif., was arrested for allegedly failing to produce books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation revealed the suspect and his co-defendants intentionally and knowingly committed a books and records violation after failing to keep and provide books and records for the 987 cartons of cigarettes, stolen from out of state, that were found in his possession.
The case is pending prosecution in Fort Stockton County.
Patrocinio Tovar Hernandez, 58, of Granbury, pleaded guilty to accepting delivery of motor fuel without shipping documents.
A Hood County district judge sentenced the defendant to three years’ deferred adjudication and a fine of $1,050.
In December 2024, an investigation revealed the defendant unlawfully appropriated approximately 400 gallons of dyed diesel fuel worth around $2,000 from an unknown male over a two-week period. In Texas, non-taxable diesel is dyed red to distinguish it from taxable diesel. Red-dyed diesel is authorized almost exclusively for off-road, agricultural use by permit holders only.
Michelle Martinez, 26, of Houston, pleaded guilty to accepting an honorarium.
A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years’ deferred adjudication, and she is placed as the state’s witness on the case after pleading guilty to a reduced charge.
In August 2023, an investigation revealed the defendant and her co-defendants were involved in a fraudulent even-trade bribery scheme. Martinez was paid to process title transactions containing false information and received about $10,000 during the course of the scheme.
Sola Ayiloge, 41, of Haltom City, pleaded guilty to tampering with a governmental record.
After a plea agreement, the defendant pled guilty to a lesser charge of attempted tampering with a governmental record, and a Tarrant County district judge sentenced the defendant to 12 months’ deferred adjudication.
In July 2023, an investigation revealed the defendant knowingly made a false entry in or false alteration of a Texas application for title/registration and a vehicle inventory tax statement.
Joshua Lewis Jinks, 34, of Panola, pleaded guilty to accepting delivery of motor fuel without shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax.
A Panola County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ deferred adjudication on each charge to run concurrently and a fine of $10,000 on each charge, of which $8,000 was probated on each fine.
In December 2023, an investigation revealed the defendant had been receiving deliveries of red-dyed diesel fuel from an unknown male and had not received any invoices or shipping documents for the fuel. In Texas, non-taxable diesel is dyed red to distinguish it from taxable diesel. Red-dyed diesel is authorized almost exclusively for off-road, agricultural use by permit holders only.
Majdi Rafiq Salhab, 37, of Waco, pleaded guilty to attempted possession of tobacco products with tax due, and attempted books and records violation, both state jail felonies.
A McLennan County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years’ deferred adjudication on each charge and ordered the defendant to pay restitution of $175.
In August 2023, an investigation revealed the defendant purchased 144 boxes of untaxed tobacco products from an unlicensed out-of-state distributor. The defendant failed to keep books and records for four years as required by statute for the tobacco products displayed for sale at her retail location.
Israel Gonzalez, 43, of San Antonio, was indicted for allegedly failing to remit tax by dealer in the amount of at least $1,500 and less than $20,000, a state jail felony, and hindering secured creditors in an amount greater than/equal to at least $20,000 and less than $100,000, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation found the defendant sold 20 vehicles and failed to transfer titles and registrations on those vehicles, thus failing to remit the motor vehicle tax he collected. In addition, he hindered the enforcement of a lien by removing the vehicles from his business, concealing the vehicles from Vehicle Acceptance Corporation and Backlot Cars, Inc., and failing to satisfy the debt by selling the vehicles.
The case is pending prosecution in Bexar County.
Marco Antonio Hernandez-Martinez, 24, of Jarrell, was indicted for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
An investigation found the defendant intentionally and knowingly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by unlawfully appropriating approximately 104 gallons of diesel fuel worth $355 by using a pulsar tampering device to manipulate the pump.
The case is pending prosecution in Williamson County.
Tyler James Owens, 35, of San Antonio, was indicted for allegedly failing to remit tax by dealer in the amount of $1,500-$20,000 and fraudulent transfer of a motor vehicle, both state jail felonies.
An investigation found the defendant intentionally and knowingly sold six vehicles through his car dealership; failed to pay the sales tax of more than $2,800; and arranged to transfer a vehicle, knowing it was subject to a lien, without first obtaining written authorization from the vehicle’s secured lienholder.
The case is pending prosecution in Bexar County.
Olamide Akinwumi Komolafe, 46, of Arlington, was indicted for allegedly providing a false name and false information and forgery, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
An investigation found the defendant falsified the application of Texas title and/or registration, which reflected a lower sales price than the bill of sale provided by the purchaser, and falsified the date of sales tax assignment and date of sale. There was a difference of $3,500 in the actual sales price and what was reported on the falsified form. The purchaser of the vehicle confirmed the signature on the falsified form was not his.
The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.
Crime Does Not Pay
Madera-Manteira
Einsling Javier Madera-Manteira, 35, of Houston, was convicted of evading motor fuel tax and unlawful use of a criminal instrument.
On July 21, 2023, the defendant and his co-defendant utilized a pulsar tampering device to steal approximately 97 gallons of gasoline. The defendant delivered the illegally acquired fuel into a vehicle modified to receive, transport and deliver large quantities of unlawfully appropriated motor fuel.
A Burleson County district judge sentenced Madera-Manteira to four years’ incarceration for evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and four years’ incarceration for unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentences will run concurrently in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the defendant was given 302 days jail time credit.
Five Years for Fuel Thief
Martinez-Delrisco
Yurisman Martinez-Delrisco, 29, of Arlington, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Between November and December 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants illegally acquired fuel by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit card information. The defendant utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting and delivering motor fuel.
A Delta County district judge sentenced Martinez-Delrisco to five years’ incarceration (with 256 days jail time credit) for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Do the Crime, Serve the Time
Reed
Antwan Chane Reed Jr., 29, of Memphis, Tenn., was convicted of evading motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents.
On Jan. 30, 2023, the defendant manipulated a fuel dispenser pump with a factory remote control device.
A Cass County district judge sentenced Reed Jr. to three years’ incarceration (with 36 days jail time credit) and a $2,000 fine for transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
October 2024
Motor fuel thief sentenced
Delacruz
Duniesky Vizcay Delacruz, 39, of Corpus Christi, was convicted of evading motor fuel tax and theft of a petroleum product valued at less than $10,000.
In July 2023, the defendant intentionally and knowingly evaded motor fuel tax by illegally acquiring approximately 97 gallons of diesel fuel using a pulsar tampering device. The defendant delivered the fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank in his vehicle.
A Burleson County district judge sentenced Delacruz to 4 years’ incarceration for evading motor fuel tax and 12 months incarceration for the theft of petroleum, to run concurrently, and Delacruz was given 220 days’ jail time credit.
August 2024
Jailed for Stealing
Gomez
Jose Antonio Mederos Gomez, 29, of Fort Worth, was convicted of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
On April 12, 2023, the defendant utilized several re-encoded gift cards with financial information belonging to other people to illegally appropriate diesel fuel.
A Parker County district judge sentenced Gomez to three years’ incarceration for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
15 Years for Fuel Thief
Ramon Perez-Torres
Ramon Perez-Torres, 31, of Mesquite, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Between June and August 2022, the defendant and his co-defendants illegally acquired fuel by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit card information. The defendant utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting, and delivering motor fuel. The offenses occurred across multiple jurisdictions from Denton County to Anderson County, Texas.
A Smith County district judge sentenced Perez-Torres to 15 years’ incarceration, and he was given 486 days jail time credit for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Do the Crime, Serve the Time
Pedro Julio Ruiz-Llanes
Pedro Julio Ruiz-Llanes, 33, of Burleson, was convicted of transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, evading motor fuel tax and unlawful use of a criminal instrument.
On June 5, 2023, the defendant utilized a vehicle modified to receive, transport and deliver large quantities of unlawfully appropriated motor fuel. The motor fuel was obtained by using pulsar tampering devices and stolen credit/debit card information.
A Johnson County district judge sentenced Ruiz-Llanes to four years’ incarceration, and he was given 176 days jail time credit for transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Unlawful use of a criminal instrument is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
The sentence will be served in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
