Case News Archive

Roylan Villalon Guevara, 33, of Pflugerville was arrested for allegedly acquiring and dispensing diesel fuel without the proper documents.

Investigators observed a vehicle arrive at the suspect’s residence and dispense diesel fuel into a 330-gallon tote tank located in Guevara’s garage. On Oct. 26 and Oct. 27, investigators further observed Guevara deliver fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of his pickup truck and dispense the fuel into the supply tanks of two white box trucks. An investigation revealed that Guevara transported and delivered fuel from his residential garage.

Guevara is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and accepting delivery of motor fuel without shipping documents, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Brandon Joe Cheek, 38, of Spring was arrested for allegedly short loading large amounts of diesel fuel from his employer, a Cypress motor fuel distributor.

A private investigator conducted surveillance on the suspect and observed Cheek dispensing fuel to individuals on roadsides and parking lots. Video surveillance provided to the company confirmed his illegal activities on numerous occasions.

Cheek is charged with forging, falsifying or altering an invoice or shipping documents relating to motor fuel, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge was enhanced from a third-degree felony to a second-degree based on evidence involved in this case.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yordanis Diaz Perez, 30, of Austin was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully acquiring 84 gallons of diesel fuel worth $386 from a chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into a 144-gallon aftermarket fuel tank that was discovered in the bed of a truck and covered with a plastic tarp. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, hose and nozzle and modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Perez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Travis County.

Taylor Colt Christian, 33, of Springtown was arrested for allegedly operating vehicles with red dyed diesel fuel on a public highway in a taxable manner.

An investigation revealed that the suspect was found operating his personal vehicle with red dyed diesel fuel in the primary tank. 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.

Christian 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, and furnishing a signed statement and using the dyed diesel on a highway, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Parker County.

Yimmy Christian Franco Bonilla, 24, and Arnol Escobar Sarabia, 40, both of Houston, were arrested for allegedly using red dyed diesel fuel on a public highway in a taxable manner.

A motor fuel tax inspection revealed that the suspect was driving a tractor trailer with red dyed diesel fuel in both saddle tanks of the vehicle. 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.

Bonilla and Sarabia are charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The cases are pending prosecution in Montgomery County.

Tristan Wyatt Allen, 19, of Royse City was arrested for allegedly evading law enforcement.

During a retail tobacco inspection, an investigator observed the suspect leaving the premises with a package that appeared to be a vape product. The investigator identified himself as law enforcement to Allen and asked for identification. Allen refused to comply and left the location in his vehicle. The suspect also had a warrant for a probation violation.

Allen is charged with evading arrest/detention of a motor vehicle, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for at least six months and up to two years, and fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Rockwall County.

Leobel Garcia Socarras, 33, of Pflugerville was arrested for allegedly acquiring and illegally obtaining 161 gallons of diesel fuel worth $674 from a San Antonio chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into an aftermarket fuel tank that was discovered in Socarras’ vehicle.

Socarras is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Bexar County.

Terra Neece Washington, 43, of Garland was arrested for allegedly possessing cigarette, tobacco and e-cigarette products without state-issued permits.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s business, an investigator reportedly observed that Washington was operating and acting as a retailer that allowed her business to receive and possess cigarettes, tobacco products and e-cigarettes without a permit. The suspect also allowed the sale of cigarettes without a permit.

Washington is charged with receiving/possessing cigarettes without a valid permit; selling cigarettes without a valid permit; receiving/possessing tobacco products without a valid permit; and receiving/possessing E-cigarettes without a valid permit. All charges are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both. The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Earnest Virgil Long, 61, of Santa Fe, Texas, pleaded guilty to forging a government treasury warrant.

A Galveston County district judge sentenced the defendant to four years’ probation, and he was ordered to pay $910 in restitution to the victim and $312 in court costs and fees.

Long admitted to tampering with a government record with the intent to defraud or harm, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months to two years and a fine of up to $10,000. The defendant accepted a plea agreement, and the charge was probated in lieu of serving two years’ confinement in a state jail.

In July 2020, an investigation revealed that Long tampered with a government document by falsely signing his ex-wife’s name on the back of a treasury warrant.

Crystal Johnson, 49, of Weatherford pleaded guilty for failing to pay motor vehicle sales tax collected.

A Hood County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced her to three years’ probation. She was also ordered to perform 300 hours of community service, enter a substance abuse treatment and pay a $1,000 fine along with $2,000 in restitution.

Johnson admitted to failure to remit taxes collected by a motor vehicle dealer of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000. The charge is a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months to two years and fine up to $10,000. The other five counts of tampering with government documents were dismissed in a plea agreement.

From March 2018 to December 2018, the defendant allegedly sold vehicles but failed to remit the motor vehicle sales tax collected to the Hood County Tax Assessor.

Heber Marinelarena, 50, and Olga Marinelarena, 46, both of Odessa were indicted for allegedly using 60 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel on a public highway in a taxable manner.

Both defendants are 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.

An investigation revealed that both truck tractors were registered to Olga Marinelarena, and the red dyed diesel fuel was delivered into the tractors’ supply tanks by Heber Marinelarena. 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.

The case is pending prosecution in Upton County.

Guillermo Leal Machado, 52, of Austin was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to illegally acquire 102 gallons of diesel fuel worth $298 from a Pflugerville gas station.

Leal-Machado is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents. Both charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID investigators reportedly observed the defendant obtain the fuel with four transactions using a counterfeit card. Local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop after Leal-Machado left the premises. Six counterfeit cards were located during a motor fuel tax inspection of the vehicle.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Melissa Elena Mendoza, 29; Javier Tomacen, 33; and Yosier Vicente Durruthy-Gonzalez, 34, were indicted for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 10 or more gallons of diesel fuel without the proper documentation.

The defendants, all of Houston, are charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendants knowingly or intentionally transported diesel fuel in an auxiliary fuel tank on the flatbed of a pickup truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Suraj Pandeya, 35, of Arlington was arrested for allegedly possessing e-cigarette products without the state-issued permits.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s business, an investigation determined that Pandeya was operating and acting as a retailer that allowed his business to receive and possess e-cigarettes without a permit.

Pandeya is charged with receiving/possessing E-cigarettes without a valid permit, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Hopkins County.

Yohander Sanchez Guerra, 38, of Houston was arrested for allegedly obtaining and illegally purchasing 230 gallons of diesel fuel.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was concealed in an auxiliary fuel tank located underneath the truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

Guerra is charged with evading or attempting to evade in any manner a tax imposed on motor fuel, 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 Harris County.

Tristan Wyatt Allen, 19, of Royse City was indicted for allegedly evading law enforcement.

Allen is charged with evading arrest/detention in a motor vehicle, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

During a retail tobacco inspection, an investigator observed a youthful appearing person whom he believed to be a minor in possession of a vape product exiting the store. The investigator identified himself as law enforcement to Allen and asked for identification. Allen refused to comply and left the location in his vehicle. The suspect also had a warrant for a probation violation.

The case is pending prosecution in Rockwall County.

Amed Mederos, 44, of Tampa, Fl. was arrested for allegedly using red dyed diesel fuel on a public highway in a taxable manner.

An inspection revealed the suspect was driving a tractor trailer with red dyed diesel fuel concealed in both saddle tanks of the vehicle. 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.

Mederos is charged with concealing motor fuel, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both. The case is pending prosecution in Winkler County.

Douglas Edward Hunsberger, 27, of Katy was arrested for allegedly short-loading diesel fuel from his employer.

A private investigator conducted surveillance on the suspect and observed Hunsberger dispensing fuel to individuals on roadsides and parking lots. Video surveillance provided to the company confirmed his illegal activities.

Hunsberger is charged with accepting motor fuel delivery without shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The precinct four Harris County Constable’s office requested CID’s assistance with this investigation.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yordy Rodriguez Aldana, 25, of Aubrey pleaded guilty to using a re-encoded charge card to fraudulently purchase diesel fuel.

A Dallas County district judge sentenced him to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division. The judge suspended the prison term and probated the defendant to five years of community supervision, and he was ordered to pay a fine of $2,500. Aldana admitted to evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and 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 defendant accepted a plea agreement, and the charges were probated in lieu of serving 10 years in prison.

An investigation revealed that the suspect illegally obtained the diesel fuel using a counterfeit card to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without shipping documents for use on public highways.

Alexey Romero-Perez, 47, of Homestead, Fl., was indicted for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating diesel fuel worth over $88,000 in 2016.

Romero-Perez was reindicted with the additional charge of unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., recreational vehicle), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant modified and outfitted a 30-foot recreational vehicle with additional fuel storage tanks intending to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination to evade motor fuel tax.

The case is pending prosecution in Midland County.

Jawaad Barakat, 20, of Murphy was arrested for allegedly possessing e-cigarette products without state-issued permits.

An investigation determined that the suspect received, possessed and sold e-cigarettes without having a permit.

Barakat is charged with failure to have an E-cigarette permit, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Collin County.

Fernando Vital, 50, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly acquiring and dispensing diesel fuel without the proper documents. Investigators observed the suspect arrive at a residence and dispense diesel fuel from a 60-gallon tank in the bed of Vital’s vehicle to the supply tank of a semi-truck. An investigation revealed that Vital transported and delivered fuel from his employer without authorization.

Vital is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a required license, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years is prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Korbin Rayce Hamilton, 32, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly accepting diesel fuel without shipping documents.

Investigators observed a known subject arrive at the suspect’s residence and dispense diesel fuel from a 60-gallon tank into the saddle fuel tanks of Hamilton’s semi-truck. An investigation revealed that Hamilton accepted stolen diesel fuel without shipping documents.

Hamilton is charged with accepting motor fuel delivery without shipping documents and motor fuel tax evasion, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Maikol Lorenzo Reinoso-Rodriguez, 24, of Austin was arrested for alleged acquiring and unlawfully appropriating 100 gallons of diesel fuel worth $469 from a Jarrell gas station.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. An approximate 100-gallon auxiliary fuel tank was located in the bed of Reinoso-Rodriguez’s vehicle.

Reinoso-Rodriguez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Williamson County.

Juan F. Pasquel-Torres, 35, of Laredo was indicted for allegedly falsifying information on sales and use tax returns.

Pasquel-Torres is charged with three counts of false entry or failure to enter in tax records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant was committing fraud by editing original invoices to remit reduced sales tax by increasing the subtotal amount and displaying a discounted sales tax amount.

The case is pending prosecution in Webb County.

Rodney Cerrantes Diaz, 42, of Tampa, Fl. was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to illegally acquire diesel fuel.

Diaz 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.

An investigation revealed that the defendant used a counterfeit card to unlawfully appropriate diesel fuel for use on public highways and evade motor fuel tax. The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Mike Osarumen Ogbebor, 42, of Houston was indicted for allegedly falsifying information on government records related to a vehicle sale.

Ogbebor is charged with false information on a title application, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant manipulated the sales price on an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration and submitted fraudulent information to a county tax assessor’s office.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Jatdiell Fernandez, 33, of Addison pleaded guilty to participating in organized criminal activity by unlawfully appropriating diesel fuel.

A Dallas County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ probation in two cases, and he was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 along with $286 in court costs.

Fernandez admitted to evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to obtaining and unlawfully appropriating diesel fuel for use on public highways. Fernandez admitted to additional counts of evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigations revealed that the defendant manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without shipping documents.

Carlos Daniel Ortiz Cruz, 22, of Austin was arrested for allegedly unlawfully obtaining 102 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was dispensed into one of two auxiliary fuel tanks in the bed of Cruz’s vehicle. A key to the fuel pump and a remote to control the pulsar device was found in his possession.

Cruz is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Hays County.

Eduviesel Ramirez Guerra, 30, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 126 gallons of diesel fuel worth $499 from an Austin chain convenience store.

An investigator responded to a fuel theft in progress. The suspect was observed dispensing fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank. Guerra was stopped by Austin police after leaving the location. A motor fuel tax inspection revealed an approximate 128-gallon, L-shaped auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the truck by a toolbox. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, hose and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

During a voluntary interview, Guerra denied being at the location but later admitted that he was at the fuel pump. Two counterfeit charge cards found in his possession were not used in the transaction.

Guerra is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID investigators arrested him in Austin last year for unlawfully acquiring diesel fuel by tampering with a fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Arnaldo Frias Rodriguez, 39, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 121 gallons of diesel fuel worth $480 from a chain convenience store in Austin.

An investigator responded to a fuel theft in progress. The suspect was observed dispensing fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank. A motor fuel tax inspection revealed an approximate 142-gallon auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, hose, and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

During a voluntary interview, Rodriguez admitted to conducting the transaction. Nine counterfeit cards were found in his possession. Rodriguez refused to say which card was used in the fraudulent purchase.

Rodriguez 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 Travis County.

Magdiel Gutierrez Tamayo, 18, and Joe Yuniet Gonzalez Tamayo, 34, of Austin were arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 123 gallons of diesel fuel worth $494 from an Austin chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspects manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into an approximate 218-gallon auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the truck.

Gutierrez Tamayo and Gonzalez Tamayo are charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Travis County.

Sadiel Sosa Soriano, 44, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 203 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,114.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was dispensed into an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities motor fuel.

Soriano is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest/shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Stiverg Yassiel Delgado-Lopez, 27, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded gift card to illegally purchase 351 gallons of diesel fuel.

An investigation revealed that on March 23 and 24 of 2022, the suspect used a counterfeit card with financial information from a trucking company to conduct fraudulent fuel transactions and evade motor fuel tax.

Delgado-Lopez 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 Dallas County.

Pedro Serrano Echevarria, 43, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently obtain 254 gallons of diesel fuel.

An investigation revealed that the suspect used counterfeit cards to conduct fraudulent fuel transactions and evade motor fuel tax. A store employee identified Echevarria from a previous fuel theft. An investigator responded to a call and arrived at the location.

The investigator observed Echevarria dispensing fuel and detained him. A witness watched the suspect place counterfeit cards into a plastic bag and place it into a trash can between two fuel pumps, according to reports. Sixty-two counterfeit cards were recovered.

Echevarria is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest/shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., flatbed truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Wise County.

Jawaad Barakat, 20, of Murphy was arrested for allegedly failing to maintain the required records for tobacco products.

The suspect was issued a records demand by a CID investigator for tobacco records from Jan. 1, 2021, through Oct. 20, 2022. Barakat did not provide the specific information requested in the records demand.

Barakat is charged with cigars and tobacco tax code books and records violation, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Collin County.

Philip Martin Garrison, 53, of Argyle was indicted for allegedly failing to pay motor vehicle sales tax collected.

Garrison is charged with failure to remit taxes collected by a motor vehicle dealer of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months to two years and fine up to $10,000.

From April 2015 to September 2019, the defendant allegedly sold vehicles but failed to remit the motor vehicle sales tax collected to the Dallas County Tax Assessor.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Adan Naranjo Ramos, 30, Lazaro Jimenez, 29, and Braulio Corona, 29, all of Odessa, were indicted for allegedly unlawfully appropriating 150 gallons of diesel fuel.

Ramos and Jimenez are charged with two counts of motor fuel tax evasion, and Corona is charged with one count. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The defendants allegedly acquired diesel fuel from an Odessa fuel station underground storage tank to use in motor vehicles with the intent to evade motor fuel tax.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Eduardo Antonio Estupinan Medina, 29, of Round Rock was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully acquiring 76 gallons of diesel fuel worth $305 from a chain convenience store in Austin.

An investigation revealed the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was transported in an approximate 100-gallon auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of the truck. Medina is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and motor fuel tax evasion, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Williamson County.

Fernando Tovar, Jr., 42, of San Antonio was indicted for allegedly falsifying information on government records related to vehicle sales.

Tovar is charged with seven counts of false name, false information and forgery of a vehicle registration, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

From October 2018 through November 2020, an investigation revealed the defendant manipulated the sales price on 10 Texas Certificate of Title and/or Registration applications and submitted fraudulent information to a county tax assessor’s office.

The case is pending prosecution in Bexar County.

Luis Doval-Hernandez, 23, Rafael Basulto-Rubio, 54, and Iduar Acosta-Fernandez, 43, all of DeSoto, were arrested for allegedly acquiring and illegally appropriating large amounts of diesel fuel.

An investigation revealed that the suspects manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was stored in custom aftermarket fuel tanks.

Doval-Hernandez, Basulto-Rubio and Acosta-Fernandez are 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 Dallas County.

Frank Dayan Perez Reyes, 33, of Venus was arrested for allegedly obtaining and illegally appropriating 1,259 gallons of diesel fuel worth $6,622 from a chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was concealed in an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

Reyes is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest/shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Nilson Quintanilla Rodriguez, 32, of Katy was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards with credit card information to illegally purchase 119 gallons of diesel fuel worth $525 from a League City chain convenience store.

Rodriguez 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, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., flatbed truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Officers were called to a fuel theft in progress by a store manager who recognized the defendant’s vehicle in similar crimes. Rodriguez was identified when the fuel theft occurred. An investigation revealed that the truck bed was modified as a fuel tank and capable of holding hundreds of gallons of fuel. The vehicle was equipped with a pump, hose, nozzle and dispensing meter. Officers also recovered 37 counterfeit cards with re-encoded, credit card information.

CID also had active arrest warrants for him for motor fuel tax fraud in Wharton County.

The case is pending prosecution in Galveston County.

Rodney Wayne Cheatham, 38, of Spring was arrested for allegedly purchasing stolen, short-loaded diesel fuel from an employee of a fuel distributor.

A private investigator conducted surveillance on the suspect and observed Cheatham dispensing fuel to individuals on roadsides and parking lots. Video surveillance confirmed his illegal activities.

Cheatham is charged with accepting motor fuel delivery without shipping documents, 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 Harris County.

Arlinton Martinez Ferras, 47, of Odessa pleaded guilty to obtaining untaxed, red-dyed diesel fuel.

An Ector County district judge sentenced the defendant to three years’ probation, and he was ordered to pay a fine of $1,050 along with $400 in court costs and fees.

Ferras admitted to motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID investigators and local law enforcement observed the defendant unlawfully acquiring and transporting the dyed diesel fuel. Ferras dispensed the fuel into multiple containers at an undisclosed residence. During a motor fuel tax compliance stop and inspection, investigators located a 275-gallon square tote container with red-dyed diesel fuel. Further inspection found multiple fuel hoses, a fuel nozzle, a fuel pump, a step ladder and a fire extinguisher in the rear compartment of the van.

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.

Michael Brannon Hilbert, 44, of Houston was arrested for allegedly purchasing stolen, short-loaded diesel fuel from an employee of a fuel distributor.

A private investigator conducted surveillance on the suspect and observed Hilbert dispensing fuel to individuals on roadsides and parking lots. Video surveillance confirmed his illegal activities.

Hilbert is charged with accepting motor fuel delivery without shipping documents, 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 Harris County.

John Hafer Hill, 47, of Pantego was arrested for allegedly selling cigarette and tobacco products without the state-issued permits.

During an inspection of a food-service business, an investigator observed a food-vending machine selling cigarettes and tobacco products. The suspect was identified as the owner of the vending machine. Hill was contacted by phone and admitted that the vending machine with the tobacco products was his.

Hill is charged with selling cigarettes and tobacco products without a valid permit, both Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Jesus Perez Caballero, 33, of Cypress was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently purchase 26 gallons of diesel fuel worth $125.

Caballero is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators reportedly observed the defendant purchasing the diesel fuel and approached Caballero to ask for the credit card used in the transaction. Twenty-one counterfeit cards were found in a wallet that did not belong to him.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

David Sanchez Rojas, 34, of Round Rock and Oscar Luis Jimenez Garcia, 33, of Austin were indicted for allegedly obtaining and illegally purchasing 264 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,296.

Rojas and Garcia are charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendants manipulated the fuel pump’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was dispensed into auxiliary fuel tanks in the bed of Rojas’ and Garcia’s vehicles.

CID assisted the Texas Rangers and La Grange PD with this investigation.

The case is pending prosecution in Fayette County.

Timothy Goff, 55, of Godley pleaded guilty to falsifying information on a sales and use tax permit.

A Johnson County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced Goff to two years in a state jail probated for five years. He was also ordered to pay a $750 fine and $1,040 in court costs and fees.

Goff admitted to the two counts of tampering with a government record with the intent to defraud or harm, felonies punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

In January 2021, an investigation revealed that the defendant provided false information when completing a sales and use tax permit. The permit was not issued due to an existing liability, according to reports.

Rahul Rai, 35, of Grand Prairie was arrested for allegedly possessing e-cigarette/vape products without the state-issued permit.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s business, an investigator reportedly observed that an E-cigarette Retailer Permit was not visibly posted in the business as required by state statute and further investigation revealed he did not have a permit to engage in business.

Rai is charged with failure to have an E-cigarette Retailer Permit, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Mike Osarumen Ogbebor, 41, of Houston was arrested for allegedly falsifying information on government records related to a vehicle sale.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the sales price on an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration and submitted fraudulent information to a county tax assessor’s office.

Ogbebor is charged with false information on a title application, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Mohammad Alhabbal, 52; Rami Hawari, 35; and Yaman Marai, 30, of Richardson were indicted for allegedly possessing and transporting untaxed tobacco products. Ahmad Maktabi, 56, of Garland was indicted for allegedly possessing untaxed tobacco products.

Alhabbal, Hawari and Marai are charged with possession of tobacco products with tax due and transporting tobacco products without tax being paid, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Maktabi is charged with possession of tobacco products with tax due, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendants unlawfully possessed and transported tobacco products with the intent to evade tax being paid.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Jesus Diaz Hernandez, 51, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 255 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,307.

An investigation revealed that Hernandez manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device with the intent to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was dispensed into an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of a truck operated by the suspect.

Hernandez is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Evian Lozada Cruz, 33, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded credit card to illegally purchase 92 gallons of diesel fuel.

An investigation revealed that the suspect allowed motor fuel to be dispensed into an aftermarket fuel tank concealed in two vehicles and transported the fuel without shipping documents with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination to evade motor fuel tax.

Cruz is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

CID and Wilmer Police conducted a joint investigation.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Manuel Ramos Benavides, 34, of Arlington was indicted for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, and unlawfully using a criminal instrument.

A Tarrant County district judge sentenced the defendant to 60 months deferred adjudication and court fees for evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents. The court waived the unlawful use of a criminal instrument charge.

An investigation found the defendant illegally appropriated approximately 100 gallons of diesel fuel in a pickup truck that was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel without a cargo manifest. Benavides intentionally and knowingly evaded a tax imposed on the motor fuel.

Alexei Carlos Otero, 49, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly acquiring and transporting 700 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,000.

Investigators reported that the suspect received stolen fuel at his residence and dispensed the fuel into the supply saddle tanks of a semi-truck. Otero was observed driving away in the semi-truck and was subsequently arrested during a traffic stop conducted by local police.

Otero is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Yoenny Rafael Garcia-Ruiz, 26, and Yoanky Martinez Morata, 41, both of San Antonio were arrested for allegedly obtaining and appropriating 300 gallons of diesel fuel from a convenience store in Odessa.

Officers were called to a fuel theft in progress by a store employee who previously reported that Garcia-Ruiz’s truck was one of the vehicles used in stealing diesel fuel. The suspects installed a pulsar device on the fuel pump to illegally acquire the fuel. Garcia-Ruiz and Morata were arrested during a traffic stop. Investigators located a pulsar device remote control on the driver’s side door. The investigation further revealed that the stolen fuel was being delivered to a residence for an unlawful purchase.

Garcia-Ruiz and Morata are charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Manuel Alejandro Alvarez, 23, and Angel Michael Pena-Palermo, 30, both of Addison were arrested for allegedly acquiring and unlawfully appropriating 935 gallons of diesel fuel worth $4,463.

An investigation revealed the suspects manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was dispensed into an aftermarket fuel tank concealed in the beds of the vehicles operated by Alvarez and Pena-Palermo.

Alvarez is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

Pena-Palermo is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Angel Michael Pena-Palermo, 30, of Addison was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 255 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,223 from a chain convenience store in Dallas.

An investigation revealed the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without shipping documents in a vehicle for use on public highways.

Pena-Palermo is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Raj Kumar Tamang, 40, of Fort Worth was indicted for allegedly obtaining a license by fraud.

A Tarrant County district judge sentenced the defendant to 24 months’ deferred adjudication with community supervision and court fees for obtaining a license by fraud. The second-degree felony was reduced to a third-degree felony for sentencing.

An investigation found the defendant purchased 10 tax permits/decals from a third party for $100 each. The third party then listed Tamang’s machines on a state license application that was submitted to unlawfully obtain tax permits/decals for Tamang.

Yander Martinez Jimenez, 31, of Fort Worth was indicted for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 25 gallons of diesel fuel worth $129 from a gas station in Keller.

Jimenez 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, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into an auxiliary fuel tank that was concealed in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Orlian Abad Estrada, 33, of Haltom City was indicted for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 25 gallons of diesel fuel worth $129 from a gas station in Keller.

Estrada 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, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into an auxiliary fuel tank that was concealed in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Lisandra Campana-Fruto, 47 and Anabel Collado-Cruz, 28, of Fort Worth were arrested for allegedly acquiring and illegally appropriating 460 gallons of diesel fuel worth $2,511 from a Grapevine chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspects manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large amounts of motor fuel.

Campana-Fruto is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Collado-Cruz is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax. Both are charged with two counts of unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck and a pulsar manipulator device), both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Duniesky Ondarza Gonzalez, 36, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly acquiring and illegally appropriating 250 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,235 from a Garland gas station.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. The fuel was delivered into an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the truck operated by the suspect.

Gonzalez 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 Collin County.

Manuel Alejandro Alvarez Ibanez, 32, and Jatdiell Fernandez-Rodriguez, 33, both of Addison, and Angel Michel Pena-Palmero, 30, of Carrollton were indicted for allegedly participating in organized criminal activity while unlawfully appropriating 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel from an Alvarado gas station.

Ibanez, Fernandez-Rodriguez and Pena-Palmero are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendants were observed on video manipulating the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device and using three different trucks to obtain the fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Jorge Luis Barreto Cisneros, 39, of Odessa pleaded guilty to obtaining large amounts of diesel fuel from a West Texas gas location.

A Midland County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, and he was sentenced to 10 years’ probation. He was also ordered to pay over $100,000 in restitution plus courts costs and fees.

Cisneros admitted to motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In September 2020, Cisneros was observed appropriating diesel fuel into large auxiliary fuel tanks in the bed of his truck. Deputies conducted a traffic stop as the vehicle was leaving the premises. The defendant was detained until investigators arrived and performed a motor fuel tax compliance inspection.

CID’s investigation revealed that Cisneros and another previously convicted defendant were using fuel technician pump remotes to place the pump in maintenance mode to unlawfully acquire the high volumes of diesel fuel.

Carlos Maldonado, Jr., 39, of McAllen was arrested for allegedly possessing untaxed tobacco products.

An investigation revealed that the suspect purchased and possessed untaxed tobacco products from four unpermitted distributors with the intent to evade tax being paid from February 2020 through July 2021.

Maldonado is charged with possession of tax due, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Hidalgo County.

Salah Ali Osman, 26, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly possessing e-cigarette products without the state-issued permit.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s business, an investigator reportedly observed that an E-cigarette Retailer Permit was not visibly posted in the business as required by state statute, and further investigation revealed he did not have a permit to engage in business.

Osman is charged with failure to have an E-cigarette Retailer Permit, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Abel Alberto Rodriguez-Gaytan, 28, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly transporting 150 gallons of diesel fuel without the proper documentation.

During a motor fuel tax compliance inspection, an investigator conducted a consent search of the suspect’s vehicle and discovered that the pickup truck was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel.

Rodriguez-Gaytan is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Darien Rodriguez Franco, 37, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly using a fraudulent credit card to illegally obtain 46 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a fueling station in Seminole.

Franco is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest and purchasing motor fuel with the intent to evade motor fuel tax, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Video surveillance along with an eyewitness spotted the defendant obtaining the fuel. Local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and Franco allegedly provided two fictitious forms of identification.

The sheriffs’ offices in Andrews and Gaines counties assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Gaines County.

Rosemary Carrasco Banda, 51, of Grand Prairie was arrested for allegedly falsifying information on government records related to a fireworks sale.

An investigation revealed that the suspect submitted a fraudulent sales tax exemption certificate to a business to purchase fireworks.

Banda is charged with false entry of a resale or exemption certificate, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID worked this joint-investigation with the Grand Prairie Fire Marshal’s office. The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Giosbani Rafael Marero Sanbrano, 38, and Pedro M. Cansino Gonzalez, 33, both of Austin, were arrested for allegedly acquiring 136 gallons of diesel fuel worth $607 from a chain convenience store in Austin.

Officers were called to a fuel theft in progress by a store employee who monitored the suspects using a pulsar tampering device on a pump to steal the fuel. Investigators stopped Sanbrano and Gonzalez from obtaining more fuel and identified both suspects. A motor fuel tax inspection revealed a 745-gallon auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of the pickup truck that was outfitted with a pump, hose, nozzle and digital meter.

Sanbrano and Gonzalez are charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Travis County.

Khader ZJ Rafidi, 43, of Brownsville was arrested for allegedly operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license or registration certificate.

During an amusement machine inspection, an investigator identified and seized three coin-operated amusement machines. The machines did not have the required state tax decal. An investigation determined that Rafidi owned and displayed the machines without a license or certificate.

Rafidi is charged with operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Cameron County.

Eduviesel Ramirez Guerra, 40, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 132 gallons of diesel fuel worth $722 from an Austin chain convenience store.

Officers were called to a fuel theft in progress by a store employee. An investigation revealed that the suspect illegally acquired and dispensed a large amount of fuel into a 180-gallon auxiliary tank that was concealed under a toolbox with a 22-foot hose, nozzle and digital fuel meter. Thirteen counterfeit cards were identified during a vehicle inventory. Guerra is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Travis County.

Yordy Rodriguez Aldana, 25, of Aubrey was arrested for allegedly participating in organized criminal activity by using a re-encoded credit card to unlawfully acquire diesel fuel.

An investigation revealed that the suspect illegally obtained the diesel fuel using a counterfeit card to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without shipping documents for use on public highways.

Aldana is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Manuel Alvarez, 32, Jatdiell Fernandez, 33 and Angel Pena Palermo, 30, all of Addison were indicted for allegedly participating in organized criminal activity to unlawfully appropriate diesel fuel.

Alvarez, Fernandez and Palermo are charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and fine up to $10,000.

Angel Pena Palermo, 30, and Jatdiell Fernandez-Rodriguez, 33, both of Addison were indicted for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating diesel fuel for use on public highways.

Palermo and Fernandez-Rodriguez are charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendants manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without shipping documents. The cases are pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Armando Esponda Lopez, 51, and Rosbel Larosa Acebo, 39, both of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 281 gallons of diesel fuel and 19 gallons of premium gasoline.

A Colorado County district judge granted the defendants deferred adjudication. Lopez and Acebo were sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation. They were also ordered to complete 240 hours of community service, and pay a fine of $1,060.

Lopez and Acebo admitted to 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 charge of engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit was dismissed in their plea agreement.

In March 2021, a credit card abuse victim contacted local law enforcement stating that her card was used at a gas station in Garwood. An investigator reviewed video surveillance and determined that the defendants used counterfeit cards to purchase the fuel. Lopez and Acebo were arrested after returning to obtain a second load of diesel fuel.

The gasoline was dispensed into the primary tank of a pickup truck. The diesel fuel was dispensed into two large steel tanks of a cargo trailer and an auxiliary tank in the bed of the truck.

Asdruval Rodriguez-Carbonell, 38, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to illegally purchase fuel from a chain convenience store in Pearland.

Rodriguez-Carbonell 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.

On March 10, video surveillance revealed the defendant using a counterfeit card to fraudulently appropriate a large amount of diesel fuel. Rodriguez-Carbonell was identified when the fuel theft occurred and was arrested during a traffic stop conducted by local police.

The case is pending prosecution in Brazoria County.

Roberto Ledesma, 37, of Houston was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully purchasing 91 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Stafford.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Ledesma’s flatbed truck was modified to hold a fuel tank that possibly held a few hundred gallons. The vehicle was equipped with an electric pump, hose, nozzle and meter.

Ledesma 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 Fort Bend County.

Roger Taracon Rodriguez, 43, of Houston pleaded guilty for using re-encoded credit/debit cards to illegally obtain 90 gallons of diesel fuel worth $299 from a Cypress chain grocery store.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, and he was sentenced to six years’ probation. He was also ordered to complete 60 hours of community service and pay $930 in court costs and fees.

Rodriguez admitted to fraudulent use/possession of credit/debit card information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charges of motor fuel tax evasion and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license was dismissed in his plea agreement.

In December 2021, a Harris County deputy constable observed the defendant pumping diesel fuel into his pickup truck. A traffic stop was conducted after the vehicle left the premises. An investigation revealed a nearly 100-gallon, large, steel, auxiliary fuel tank in the truck bed. The vehicle was equipped with a pump, hose and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense fuel. Sixty-two counterfeit cards were discovered in the investigation.

Seung Hwan Wi, 57, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license or registration certificate.

During an amusement machine inspection, investigators identified and sealed 43 coin-operated 8-liner amusement machines. The machines did not have the required state tax permits. An investigation determined that Wi owned and displayed the machines without a license or certificate.

Wi is charged with operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Anyero Evelio Escalona, 26, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to unlawfully acquire 320 gallons of diesel fuel worth $1,679 from a Garland gas station.

An investigation revealed that the suspect illegally obtained the diesel fuel using counterfeit cards to evade motor fuel tax.

Escalona 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 Dallas County.

Yefferson Fraguela, 30, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to unlawfully purchase 32 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Arlington.

An investigation revealed that the suspect illegally obtained the diesel fuel using counterfeit cards to evade motor fuel tax and transported the fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents. Fraguela’s vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Fraguela is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., box truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Adrian Rodriguez, 22, of Edinburg was indicted for allegedly storing 250 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel in a taxable manner.

Rodriguez is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the defendant’s vehicle with a 250-gallon tote tank in the truck bed with red dyed diesel fuel that was illegally acquired from his employer. 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. The case is pending prosecution in Sutton County.

Julius Tyler Dickens, 31, of Beaumont pleaded guilty to making a false entry related to a sales and use tax exemption certificate.

A Hardin County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced him to four years’ probation. He was also ordered to pay more than $3,000 in restitution.

Dickens admitted to tampering with a government document with the intent to defraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and with false entry on sales tax records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The defendant purchased furniture and advised the business that he had a tax exemption. He provided false information when completing a sales and use tax exemption certificate. Dickens was not affiliated with the business listed on the form, according to reports. The founder of the entity did not authorize him to use the business’ information for the purchase.

Marcus Jermaine Malbro, 28, of Houston pleaded guilty for using re-encoded credit/debit cards to fraudulently purchase 195 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a chain convenience store in Baytown.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to two days in jail and was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.

Malbro admitted to evading or attempting to evade motor fuels tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor as part of his plea agreement.

In March 2021, a loss prevention manager provided the investigator with video surveillance of the transactions. The defendant was positively identified in the video through a driver’s license photo, according to reports. An auxiliary tank was found in the bed of Malbro’s pickup truck.

Juan Zayas Penalver, 34, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully acquiring 206 gallons of diesel fuel worth $944 from a chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into an auxiliary fuel tank that was concealed in the bed of the truck.

Penalver is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents or a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Denton County.

Maribel Longoria, 40, of Henrietta was indicted for allegedly failing to maintain the required records related to motor vehicle sales tax and registration fees collected by the county tax assessor. Longoria is the elected Clay County tax assessor-collector.

Longoria is charged with four counts of misapplication of fiduciary property or property of a financial institution greater than $300,000, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

From 2018 to 2021, an audit revealed that the defendant routinely filed late reports and remitted tax payments. A criminal investigation determined that Longoria was not filing reconciliations of accounts with the county auditor and failing to make deposits as required by the Texas Local Government and Tax codes causing a substantial risk of loss to the state.

The case is pending prosecution in Clay County.

Ariel Gonzalez Blanco, 45, of Austin was arrested for allegedly acquiring and illegally purchasing 22 gallons of diesel fuel worth $99 from a Round Rock chain convenience store.

CID investigators observed the suspect unlawfully obtain the diesel fuel using a counterfeit card. Local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop at the request of CID investigators after Blanco left the premises. Forty counterfeit cards were located during a consent search of the suspect’s vehicle. Another 30 counterfeit cards were later discovered in Blanco’s briefs at the county jail.

Blanco is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., utility truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Williamson County.

Bruce Allen Marshall, 45, and Justin Mathis, 26, both of Levelland were arrested for allegedly obtaining large amounts of diesel fuel from a storage tank in West Texas.

Video surveillance footage showed the suspects entering the premises and Marshall dispensing diesel fuel into the vehicle’s gas tank and two plastic barrels. Further investigation revealed that several witnesses reported that Marshall had stolen the diesel fuel. The suspects abandoned the pickup truck after the vehicle broke down. A motor fuel tax compliance inspection determined that fuel samples extracted from the two plastic barrels contained diesel fuel.

Marshall and Mathis are charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents or a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Hockley County.

Eliberio Rosales-Lopez, 26, of Austin was arrested for allegedly acquiring and unlawfully appropriating 86 gallons of diesel fuel worth $378 from a chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to evade motor fuel tax. Fuel was delivered into an aftermarket fuel tank that was partially concealed in the bed of the truck. The vehicle was outfitted with a hose, nozzle and digital fuel meter, and modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Rosales-Lopez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, 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 Travis County.

Nilson Quintanilla Rodriguez, 31, of Katy was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards with credit card information to illegally purchase 119 gallons of diesel fuel worth $525 from a League City chain convenience store.

Officers were called to a fuel theft in progress by a store manager who recognized the suspect’s vehicle in similar crimes. Rodriguez was identified when the fuel theft occurred. An investigation revealed that the truck bed was modified as a fuel tank and capable of holding hundreds of gallons of fuel. The vehicle was equipped with a pump, hose, nozzle and dispensing meter. Officers also recovered 37 counterfeit cards with re-encoded, credit card information.

Rodriguez 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, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., flatbed truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Galveston County.

Nilson Omar Quintanilla, 34, of Katy was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase 2,550 gallons of diesel fuel.

From October 2021 through September 2022, an investigation revealed the suspect used counterfeit cards to unlawfully purchase fuel from service stations in Wharton and Galveston counties to evade motor fuel tax.

Quintanilla is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a required license, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Wharton County.

Mario Alarcon Garcia, 38, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using 220 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel on a public highway in a taxable manner.

Garcia is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant was operating a truck tractor on an interstate highway while using 220 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel to evade motor fuel tax. 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.

The case is pending prosecution in Crockett County.

Robert Howard Smith, 67, of Waxahachie was arrested for allegedly possessing e-cigarette products without the state-issued permit.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s business, an investigator reportedly observed that an E-cigarette Retailer Permit was not visibly posted in the business as required by state statute, and further investigation revealed that Smith did not have a permit to engage in business.

Smith is charged with receiving, possessing or selling E-cigarettes without having a retailer permit, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Rodney Carrantes Diaz, 42, of Tampa, Florida, was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 93 gallons of diesel fuel worth $495.

Officers were called to a possible fuel theft in progress. They arrived at the location, and an investigator made contact with the suspect. A store employee reportedly witnessed Diaz taking possession of the fuel. Video surveillance confirmed the suspect dispensing fuel into a large homemade fuel tank in the bed of the pickup truck. Additional security footage provided to the investigator revealed a black rubber glove with 10 counterfeit cards hidden in a panel.

Diaz is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Rafael Luis Castello, 57, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to illegally purchase 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel worth $4,140 from a convenience store in Odessa.

An investigation revealed that Castello returned to the same location and pump on Feb. 4 and 5, 2022, to free flow the fuel at a slower per gallon calculation causing an incorrect price of the fuel dispensed. Video surveillance showed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device to fraudulently acquire the fuel.

Castello is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Martin County.

Rolando Ramirez Corrada, 47, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Baytown.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction), and he was sentenced to five years’ probation. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, pay $150 in restitution and attend an anti-theft course.

Corrada admitted to 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 charge of fraudulent use/possession of credit/debit card information was dismissed in his plea agreement.

In October 2020, the loss prevention manager contacted the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) about 13 events that occurred over a five-month period. The defendant was identified through an investigation, and local police stopped Corrada at another convenience store in Katy but released him without filing charges.

Alfredo Hechavarria Fonteboa, 34, of Addison was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to unlawfully purchase 269 gallons worth $932 of diesel fuel from a Frisco convenience store.

The suspect was observed dispensing fuel into the flatbed of a truck. Fonteboa then recognized the investigator and fled the scene. A store manager reportedly witnessed gift cards being thrown out the truck window. Local police conducted a traffic stop, and a vehicle search revealed that the truck was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel. Forty counterfeit gift cards were recovered during the investigation.

Fonteboa is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his box truck), a third-degree felony punishable by to two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Denton County.

LaTonya Genarann Pham, 53, of Lufkin was arrested for allegedly falsifying information on government records.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated official government forms to obtain money in an amount of less than $20,000 from the Comptroller’s office.

Pham is charged with tampering with governmental records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Angelina County.

Alejandro Martinez Hernandez, 31, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly obtaining and unlawfully appropriating 496 gallons of diesel fuel from a fueling station in Hillsboro.

A store employee reportedly observed the suspect acting suspicious at one of the fuel pumps. He discovered that Hernandez had tampered with the pump’s pulsar device. The employee captured photos of the suspect. Hernandez pointed a firearm at the employee and demanded his cellphone.

Hernandez 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. Hillsboro Police have also charged the suspect with aggravated robbery.

CID and Hillsboro Police conducted a joint investigation in this case.

The case is pending prosecution in Hill County.

Jatdiell Rodriguez Fernandez, 33, of Addison was arrested for allegedly acquiring and illegally appropriating 935 gallons of diesel fuel worth $4,463 from a Dallas chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulsar device with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination to evade motor fuel tax.

Fernandez is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Binod Aryal, 32, of Farmer’s Branch was arrested for allegedly operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license or registration certificate.

During an amusement machine inspection, investigators identified and seized four coin-operated amusement machines. Three machines did not have the required state tax decal. The fourth machine had a state tax decal but was not registered to the suspect. An investigation determined that Aryal owned and displayed the machines without a license or certificate.

Aryal is charged with operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Osley Alvarez-Morales, 47, of Irving was arrested for allegedly transporting 900 gallons of diesel fuel without proper documentation.

During a traffic stop, an investigator conducted a consent search of the suspect’s vehicle. He discovered three, 300-gallon plastic tanks that were full of diesel fuel and equipped with a pump, hose and fuel meter. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel.

Alvarez-Morales is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his box truck), a third-degree felony punishable by to two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Ahmed Hamieh, 47, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly making a false statement related to a tobacco sale.

Investigators conducted an unannounced inspection of the suspect’s business. They observed a violation after receiving several complaints that the location was selling tobacco products to minors. During questioning, Hamieh stated that he did not sell tobacco products to a minor. Hamieh was identified by a minor who made the illegal purchase at the business.

Hamieh is charged with making a false report to a peace officer, a Class B misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Hugo Aguirre Negrete, 39, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly storing and using 110 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel in a taxable manner on public highways.

During an inspection of the suspect’s vehicle, an officer discovered red dyed diesel fuel in the front and side saddle fuel tanks of the truck. 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.

Negrete 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 Tarrant County.

Jorge Diaz-Gonzalez, 26, and Javier Tomacen, 32, both of Houston, were indicted for allegedly acquiring and unlawfully obtaining diesel fuel from a La Porte convenience store.

Diaz-Gonzalez and Tomacen are charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

On March 1, 2022, the defendants were observed installing a device to manipulate the fuel pump’s pulsar and returned to the location to illegally steal large quantities of diesel fuel. Officers arrested them for transporting the fuel without any invoices verifying the legal purchase.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yosbel Ponce Bernal, 29, of Houston was arrested for allegedly acquiring and unlawfully appropriating 898 gallons of diesel fuel worth $4,481 from a chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect manipulated the fuel dispenser’s pulser device with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination to evade motor fuel tax.

Bernal is charged with 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 case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Muhammad Asif Anwar, 56, of Wylie was arrested for allegedly possessing tobacco products without the state-issued permit being posted within public view.

An investigator received a complaint about the suspect’s business selling tobacco to minors and conducted surveillance of the location. He identified a minor leaving the store with tobacco products. An on-site inspection revealed that a cigarette and tobacco retail permit was not visibly posted in the business as required by statute, and the investigator observed the store manager remove two permits behind the sales counter.

Anwar is charged with possession of tobacco products without posting a tobacco permit, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Collin County.

Jose Emilio Morales Soto, 48, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit cards to unlawfully obtain 82 gallons of diesel fuel worth $125 from a chain grocery store in Cypress.

Soto is charged with fraudulent use or possession of more than five but fewer than 10 items of credit/debit card information, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison a fine up to $10,000; and credit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up two years and a fine up to $10,000.

In March 2022, an investigator responded to a credit card abuse call and reviewed video surveillance of the defendant at the location on several occasions. He went to the fueling station and noticed the vehicle used in the theft. The investigator approached and detained Soto. He was identified on scene and found to have conducted three illegal transactions. Three counterfeit cards, among nine found in his possession, were used in the purchases.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Rafiq Rajabali, 57, aka Rafiq Rajabal, of San Antonio was indicted for allegedly failing to maintain the required records for cigarette and tobacco purchases.

Rajabali is charged with cigarette tax code books and records violation, a third degree-felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

During an August 2019 on-site tobacco inspection, investigators confiscated cigarettes from the owner’s business that were reported stolen from other tobacco retailers. The defendant did not provide any invoices or documents from a records demand involving the seized cigarettes.

The case is pending prosecution in Bexar County.

Narvy Leonel Cruz Gonzalez, 25, of Pflugerville was arrested for allegedly acquiring and unlawfully appropriating 148 gallons of diesel fuel worth $768 from a chain convenience store.

Investigators observed the suspect illegally take possession of the fuel. An investigation revealed that he used a device to manipulate the fuel pump’s pulser device. A motor fuel tax inspection unveiled an approximate 148-gallon fuel tank in the truck’s bed concealed inside a large toolbox. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, hose, nozzle and digital fuel meter consistent with transporting and dispensing fuel. Cruz Gonzalez fled investigators to evade detention before being arrested after a short foot pursuit.

Cruz Gonzalez 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, and evading arrest or detention, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Gunter Joan Gomez Heredia, 32, of Odessa was indicted for allegedly using a fraudulent credit card to illegally purchase 46 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a Seminole fueling station.

Heredia is charged with purchasing motor fuel with the intent to evade motor fuel tax, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest and motor fuel tax evasion. The three offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In April 2021, an eyewitness, along with video surveillance, confirmed the defendant obtained the fuel from a pump. A local sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop and identified him. An investigation revealed Heredia transported approximately 200 gallons of diesel fuel without shipping documents and did not have a motor fuel transporter’s license.

The case is pending prosecution in Gaines County.

Damian Barrero, 30, of Alice was arrested for allegedly obtaining red dyed diesel fuel for use on public highways.

During a fuel tax inspection of the suspect’s vehicle, an investigator discovered red dyed diesel fuel in two primary tanks of the truck. Barrero explained that he did not know where the fuel was from.

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.

Barrero 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 Victoria County.

Pedro Marciano Lopez, 48, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly short loading large amounts of diesel fuel from a Midland fuel distributor without the proper documentation.

The fuel distributor permit holder told an investigator the suspect was headed toward the location with fuel in a supply tanker truck. The investigation and video surveillance show the suspect attaching a supply hose from the truck and dispensing fuel into a storage tank that held approximately 12,000 gallons. Officers arrested Lopez on the property.

Lopez is charged with transporting motor fuel without cargo manifest or shipping documents and motor fuel tax evasion, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Jesus Vargas, 68, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly receiving large amounts of unlawfully acquired diesel fuel from a Midland fuel distributor truck driver without the proper documentation.

An investigation and video surveillance show Vargas allowing another individual to dispense numerous quantities of diesel fuel into a storage tank at a disclosed location an employee provided to investigators. The suspect stated that he buys fuel from the business and receives an invoice for payment. Vargas could not provide the proper documents for the delivery and was arrested.

Vargas is charged with accepting delivery of motor fuel without shipping documents and motor fuel tax evasion, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Yandis Perez-Hidalgo, 39, of Grand Prairie was arrested for allegedly using stolen charge card numbers to illegally purchase 1,485 gallons of diesel fuel worth $4,829 from a Mansfield fueling station.

Video surveillance showed Perez-Hidalgo at the location unlawfully purchasing fuel 41 times from Nov. 16, 2021, to Feb. 1, 2022. An investigator followed the suspect to a warehouse and observed him fueling a cargo truck from an auxiliary fuel tank in the back of his vehicle. He failed to provide proper documents when investigators made contact with him.

Perez-Hidalgo is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant and Dallas counties.

Yoagner Torres Rodriguez, 39, of Mesquite was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently obtain 114 gallons of diesel fuel worth $598 from a fuel depot in Grand Prairie.

A store employee observed the suspect on surveillance video dispensing the fuel into the truck and contacted local police, who later took the suspect into custody and arrested him. Rodriguez conducted two illegal transactions to purchase the fuel. During a search of his vehicle, 15 counterfeit cards were found in the driver’s side door panel. The search also revealed a fabricated metal fuel cell located inside the truck’s wall.

Rodriguez is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his box truck), a third-degree felony punishable by to two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Stiverg Yassiel Delgado-Lopez, 28, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax.

A Dallas County judge sentenced the defendant to three years deferred adjudication with community supervision.

An investigation found the defendant illegally appropriated approximately 351 gallons of diesel fuel and failed to pay the backup tax as required by the Tax Code.

Osvaldo Soto Abraira, 25, of Austin was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded cards with stolen credit/debit card information to fraudulently acquire 111 gallons of diesel fuel.

Abraira is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The defendant was observed dispensing fuel at three different locations. A Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigator conducted a traffic stop and reportedly noticed him throwing a wallet outside the passenger’s window. Eleven counterfeit cards were found inside the recovered wallet. Abraira admitted to purchasing and using the cards to acquire and sell the fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Jacquelyn Hutchins, 45, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly unlawfully appropriating treasury warrants with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

The defendant was charged with property theft, 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 unlawfully appropriated treasury warrants with a value of around $31,731 that were signed and deposited into her account, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Maikel Fonseca Corzo, 33, of Round Rock was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 49 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Austin.

Corzo is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with fraudulent use or possession of more than five but fewer than 10 items of credit/debit card information and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his truck), both third degree-felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In August 2020, a search of his vehicle revealed a 160-gallon auxiliary tank in the truck bed outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, fuel nozzle and digital fuel meter. The defendant reportedly admitted that he did not have permits or shipping documents related to the fuel.

Officers also located nine counterfeit cards in Corzo’s possession. A store receipt showed that one of the cards used in the purchase was a gift card. He claimed to have used one of his two debit cards.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Yunaika Aleyda Romero-Marquez, 33, Elwisbel Gomez-Delgado, 34, and Maria Doblado-Barges, 27, all of Tanglewood pleaded guilty to participating in organized criminal activity while using re-encoded credit/debit card information to unlawfully obtain diesel fuel.

A Lee County district judge granted the defendants deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced them to five years’ probation, to complete 100 hours of community service and to pay a fine of $1,500 plus court costs and fees. Romero-Marquez was ordered to serve two days in jail and was credited with two days’ time served. Gomez-Delgado served six months in jail and was credited with one month time served.

The defendants admitted to engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Romero-Marquez and Gomez-Delgado admitted to credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up two years and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators reportedly watched all three defendants unlawfully acquire the fuel from several counties. They observed Romero-Marquez and Gomez-Delgado transport the fuel to several locations in Williamson County, Texas. During the execution of a search warrant of their residence, investigators discovered numerous pieces of evidence related to the theft along with a large number of counterfeit cards.

Kian Rezaeizadeh, 59, of Rockwall was indicted for allegedly failing to maintain the required records for cigarette and tobacco purchases.

Rezaeizadeh is charged with cigar and tobacco products tax code books and records violation, a third degree-felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In July 2020, an on-site inspection revealed that the defendant failed to produce the required invoices from permitted tobacco distributors and wholesalers from the period of March 25, 2020, through March 25, 2021.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Stephen Thornton, 70, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly falsifying a renewal application for coin-operated amusement machines.

Thornton is charged with two counts of tampering with a government record, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant submitted a general business license renewal and additional sticker application through fraud, then sold decals obtained by the applications.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Leodanis Ebanks Aragon, 40, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit cards to fraudulently purchase 74 gallons of diesel fuel worth $149 from a Pearland convenience store.

A Brazoria County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to three years’ probation, to complete 180 hours of community service and to pay a $1,240 fine plus court costs. He was also ordered to pay $289 in restitution.

Aragon admitted to 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 and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit, a third degree-felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. In May 2020, a store manager reportedly witnessed the defendant using a re-encoded charge card to purchase the fuel. Local police responded and made contact with Aragon. Investigators found that Aragon’s truck was outfitted with a modified tank in the bed, along with a pump, hose and a metered nozzle. A Fuze card found in his possession contained 27 credit/debit card numbers, only one of which was issued to him.

Yunior Paneque Garlobo, 41, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Pearland.

A Brazoria County district judge sentenced the defendant to 32 days in jail and to pay a fine of $270. He was credited with 32 days’ time served.

Garlobo admitted to unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his truck), a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both. The charges of motor fuel tax evasion and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license were dismissed in his plea agreement.

A store employee reportedly witnessed the purchase and contacted local police, who conducted a traffic stop and identified Garlobo. An investigation revealed that his truck was outfitted with a large tank mounted in the bed along with hoses, pumps and nozzles consistent with transporting and dispensing fuel.

Juan Rodriguez-Bacallao, 49, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using stolen credit card information to fraudulently obtain 420 gallons of diesel fuel from a Mansfield convenience store.

An investigation revealed that the suspect acquired the diesel fuel from April to June 2021.

Rodriguez-Bacallao 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 Tarrant County.

Mohmad Tasleem Khan, 67, of Pflugerville pleaded guilty to purchasing untaxed tobacco products from an unlicensed distributor and failing to maintain the required records.

A Travis County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to 10 years’ probation. Khan was ordered to pay over $70,000 in restitution plus court costs and fees.

Khan admitted to possession of tobacco products on which more than $50 in taxes were due and books and records violation, both third degree-felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In August 2019, an investigator conducted an on-site inspection of the business and reported that the defendant admitted to purchasing tobacco products from an out-of-state, unlicensed distributor and only having a retailer permit. The investigation revealed that Khan possessed tobacco products on which a tax of more than $50 is required to be remitted.

Yainel Maturell Fernandez, 32, of Houston pleaded guilty to possession of re-encoded gift cards with stolen credit/debit card information.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to 12 days in jail and was credited with six days’ time served. He was ordered to pay $290 in court costs plus fees.

Through his attorney, Fernandez admitted to fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information, a third degree-felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge was reduced to a state jail felony.

Investigators found counterfeit cards in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Roger Sierra, 43, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit/debit cards to fraudulently obtain 42 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years in prison. He was ordered to pay $290 in court costs, $930 in fees and was credited with 179 days’ time served.

Sierra admitted to fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge of engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license was dismissed.

An investigation revealed that the defendant obtained the fuel with the intent to act as a motor fuel transporter. Counterfeit cards were found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Dien Phuc Nguyen, 52, of Watauga pleaded guilty to operating coin-operated amusement machines at his place of business without proper documentation.

A Tarrant County judge sentenced the defendant to one day in jail and was credited with two days’ time served. He was ordered to pay $272 in court costs.

Nguyen admitted to operating amusement machines without a license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

During an inspection of his game room, investigators identified 10 machines that did not have the required state tax decals affixed and determined the suspect owned and displayed the machines without a license or certificate.

Roger Taracon Rodriguez, 42, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit cards to illegally obtain 90 gallons of diesel fuel worth $299 from a Cypress chain grocery store.

Rodriguez is charged with evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A Harris County constable observed the defendant pumping diesel fuel into his pickup truck. A traffic stop was conducted after his vehicle left the premises. An investigation revealed a nearly 100-gallon, large, steel, auxiliary fuel tank in the truck bed. The vehicle was equipped with a pump, hose and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense fuel. Sixty-two counterfeit cards were discovered in the investigation.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Upendra Dhakal, 32, and Supriya Karki, 33, both of Arlington, were arrested for allegedly possessing tobacco products without the state-issued permit required to be posted in public view.

During a compliance inspection of the suspects’ business, an investigator reportedly observed several violations after receiving a report that the location was selling tobacco to minors. A cigarette and tobacco retail permit was not visibly posted in the business as required by statute during the inspection, and the clerk was observed allegedly selling tobacco products to a minor.

Dhakal and Karki are charged with possession of tobacco products without posting a tobacco permit, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Denton County.

John Robert Newman, 39, of Nemo was arrested for allegedly making a fraudulent purchase at a chain convenience store.

A store employee attempted to contact the subject by phone about the large purchase. The phone number he provided was listed to another individual. The other person did not give the consent for his phone number to be used in the tax-exempt purchase.

Newman is charged with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information of more than five but fewer than 10 items, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Timothy Lee Goff, 54, of Godley was indicted for allegedly falsifying information related to a sales and use tax permit.

Goff is charged with two counts of tampering with a government record with the intent to defraud or harm. The indictment enhanced both counts to third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the suspect provided false information when completing a sales and use tax permit. The permit was not issued due to an existing liability, according to reports.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Leonardo Rodriguez Hidalgo, 43, of Grand Prairie and Reinaldo Rodriguez Moya, 51, of Houston pleaded guilty to using a re-encoded charge card to fraudulently purchase 29 gallons of diesel fuel worth $85 from a chain convenience store in Gainesville.

A Cooke County district judge sentenced the defendants to 10 years’ probation. He ordered them to pay a $5,000 fine and $290 in court costs. They were both credited with 175 days’ time served.

Hidalgo and Moya admitted to transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendants used a counterfeit card to obtain the fuel. Investigators confirmed the fraudulent purchase through investigative means.

Yander Martinez Jimenez, 32, of Fort Worth was indicted for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, and unlawfully using a criminal instrument.

A Tarrant County district judge sentenced the defendant to 2 years’ deferred adjudication with community supervision and court fees for unlawful use of a criminal instrument. The evading motor fuel tax charge was waived.

An investigation found the defendant illegally appropriated approximately 25 gallons of diesel fuel worth about $129 and delivered it into an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of a truck which was modified to receive, transport, and dispense large quantities of motor fuel.

Nawid Said Hassan, 26, of Grand Prairie was arrested for allegedly possessing tobacco products without the state-issued permits required to be posted in public view.

During a retail inspection of the business, an investigator reportedly observed the suspect retrieving the sales tax and tobacco permits from a drawer and frame box behind the sales counter. At the time of the inspection, the cigarette and tobacco retail permits were not visibly posted in the business as required by statute.

Hassan is charged with possession of tobacco products without posting a tobacco permit, a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

BLSA, LTD and partner Jeffrey Hogue, 64, of Missouri City, representing the corporation, pleaded guilty to falsifying cigarette distributor returns.

A Fort Bend County district judge ordered the defendant to pay over $100,000 in restitution.

The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of cigarette tax code books and records violations. All three offenses are third-degree felonies, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In November 2021, Hogue pleaded guilty to multiple counts of books and records violations. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and 50 hours of community service.

Numerous cases of unstamped cigarettes were seized during a 2020 investigation of the business.

Candyce Lee Chazel, 63, of Odessa pleaded guilty to obtaining an amusement machine license or registration certificate by fraud.

An Ector County district judge granted her deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced her to five years’ probation. He also ordered her to pay a fine of $1,050 plus court costs and fees.

Chazel admitted to attempting to obtain a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In January 2021, an investigation revealed that the defendant falsified two registration renewal applications for amusement machines using information belonging to a deceased owner.

MD Rahman, 30, of Arlington pleaded guilty to falsifying a renewal application for coin-operated amusement machines.

A Tarrant County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to one year of probation and 80 hours of community service and ordered him to pay a $200 fine plus court costs and fees.

Rahman admitted to failing to report or provide information on amusement machines, a Class B misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine or both. A charge for three counts of operating an amusement machine without a license or registration certificate was dismissed as part of his plea agreement. Another charge of attempting to obtain a license by fraud was reduced to the Class B misdemeanor.

In May 2021, investigators received information that the defendant submitted a registration certificate through fraud or misrepresentation.

Jorge Luis Rignak Pena, 28, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit cards to fraudulently obtain 57 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a chain convenience store in Katy.

A Fort Bend County district judge sentenced him to two days in county jail and was credited with two days’ time served. Two charges of motor fuel tax evasion and credit/debit card abuse were dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

Pena admitted to fraudulent use or possession of identifying information with less than five items, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up two years and a fine up to $10,000.

The defendant was observed conducting a fraudulent fuel purchase using counterfeit credit cards. The fuel was dispensed into an auxiliary tank that was placed in the bed of his truck.

Sandor Said Mecias Delas, 39, of Pflugerville was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 25 gallons of diesel fuel worth $125 from a chain convenience store in Austin.

Officers reportedly observed the suspect acquiring the fuel. A duplicate store receipt showed him completing one transaction at the pump. Investigators located one of the 27 counterfeit cards used in the fraudulent transaction.

A motor fuel tax inspection revealed a nearly 220-gallon auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of the truck. The tank was concealed with a black toolbox. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, nozzle and digital meter to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

Delas is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Steven Anthony Bailey, 36, of California was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit cards to unlawfully obtain 1,465 gallons of diesel fuel worth $4,333 from a Mansfield gas station.

Surveillance video from the gas station showed the suspect committing fraudulent purchases at least six different times. An investigator identified him through surveillance video and an out-of-state driver’s license photo.

Bailey 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.

An investigator with the Comptroller’s office collaborated with the Mansfield Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Osley Alvarez-Morales, 34, of Hialeah, Florida, was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to fraudulently purchase 355 gallons of diesel fuel from a gas station in Dallas.

Officers reportedly observed Alvarez-Morales pumping fuel into an external fuel storage container. The fuel was then transported to a residence where the suspect was seen dispensing the fuel into bulk storage containers from the bed of the truck.

He was detained by investigators at the location. During the investigation, 35 counterfeit cards were found in his possession.

Alvarez-Morales is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a shipping manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in transactions requiring a permit without a permit, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Mazin Adeeb Shalabi, 54, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly failing to maintain the required records for tobacco and cigarette purchases.

An on-site retail tobacco inspection revealed that the suspect, who owned the business, failed to maintain and produce the required invoices from permitted tobacco distributors and wholesalers for four years. During the inspection, the investigator also sealed five coin-operated amusement machines with no tax decals.

Shalabi is charged with a books and records violation, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Nicolas Miguel Quinones, 36, of Houston was indicted for allegedly obtaining 526 gallons of diesel fuel from a Colorado City convenience store.

Quinones 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.

In November and December 2021, surveillance videos showed the defendant at the location with his truck tractor manipulating several pumps to illegally acquire the fuel. He used an electronic device to place the pumps into maintenance mode while allowing the pumps to dispense the fuel without any transaction details.

The case is pending prosecution in Mitchell County.

Jamie Salmeron, 48, of Mount Pleasant was indicted for allegedly falsifying motor vehicle sales prices and failing to remit more than $100,000 in tax collections.

Salmeron is charged with tampering with government records, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators determined that the defendant was misrepresenting the sales price on vehicles to reduce the tax liability owed.

The case is pending prosecution in Titus County.

Jesus Perez Caballero, 32, of Cypress was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently purchase 26 gallons of diesel fuel worth $125 dollars from a chain grocery store in Katy.

Investigators reportedly observed the suspect purchasing the diesel fuel and approached him to ask for the credit card used in the transaction. Investigators found 21 counterfeit cards on the scene that did not belong to Caballero.

Surveillance video and a credit card receipt showed the suspect made the fraudulent transaction using one of the counterfeit cards.

Caballero is charged with fraudulent use/possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information, 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 Harris County.

Roger Taracon Rodriguez, 42, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit cards to illegally obtain 90 gallons of diesel fuel worth $299 from a Cypress chain grocery store.

Rodriguez is charged with evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A Harris County constable observed the defendant pumping diesel fuel into his pickup truck. A traffic stop was conducted after his vehicle left the premises. An investigation revealed a nearly 100-gallon, large steel auxiliary fuel tank in the bed. The vehicle was equipped with a pump, hose and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense fuel. Sixty-two counterfeit cards were discovered in the investigation.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Adam Russell Sellers, 43, of Meridian, Mississippi, was arrested for allegedly obtaining red dyed diesel fuel for use on public highways.

During a fuel tax inspection of the suspect’s vehicle at a drilling site, investigators discovered approximately 160 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel in a supply tank, an auxiliary bed-mounted tank and a white plastic 250-gallon capacity tote.

Sellers explained that the fuel he stored in the tote and acquired from a delivery truck was retrieved in another state. 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.

Sellers 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, and delivering dyed diesel fuel for use on a public highway, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Glasscock County.

Adrian Gumersindo Martinez-Smith, 30, of Houston was indicted for using a re-encoded charge card to illegally purchase 65 gallons of diesel fuel worth $195 from a gas station in Corsicana.

Martinez-Smith is charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and one count of unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his SUV), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant used a counterfeit card to purchase the fuel. Investigators confirmed the fraudulent transactions with receipts the convenience store manager provided. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large amounts of motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Navarro County.

Jorge Ramirez Utriaga, 32, of Port Arthur was indicted for using a re-encoded charge card to illegally purchase 206 gallons of diesel fuel worth $619 from a gas station in Corsicana.

Utriaga is charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and one count of unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his van), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant used a counterfeit card to purchase the fuel. Investigators confirmed the fraudulent transactions with receipts the convenience store manager provided. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large amounts of motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Navarro County.

Carla Castillo-Lopez, 24, of Port Arthur was indicted for using a re-encoded charge card to illegally purchase 206 gallons of diesel fuel worth $619 from a gas station in Corsicana.

Castillo-Lopez is charged with two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and one count of unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., her van), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant used a counterfeit card to purchase the fuel. Investigators confirmed the fraudulent transactions with receipts the convenience store manager provided. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large amounts of motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Navarro County.

Roger Sierra, 43, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit/debit cards to fraudulently obtain 42 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years in prison. He was ordered to pay $290 in court costs, $930 in fees and was credited with 179 days’ time served.

Sierra admitted to fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge of engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license was dismissed. An investigation revealed that the defendant obtained the fuel with the intent to act as a motor fuel transporter. Counterfeit cards were found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Sarah Christine Arcillas, 33, and Maria Sheila Swafford, 52, both of San Antonio, were indicted for allegedly failing to pay motor vehicle sales tax collected.

Arcillas and Swafford are charged with failure to remit taxes collected by a motor vehicle dealer of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for at least six months and up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

In 2018 and 2019, the defendants allegedly sold vehicles but failed to complete the title transfers or pay the taxes collected, title and registration fees on those sales.

The case is pending prosecution in Bexar County.

Jorge Hernandez-Guerra, 33, of Houston, pleaded guilty to using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently obtain 166 gallons of diesel fuel worth $433 from a Houston gas station.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, sentenced him to three years’ probation and 60 hours of community service. He also ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Hernandez-Guerra admitted to engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A charge for possession of counterfeit credit cards with fewer than five items was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

In January 2020, local police reportedly observed the defendant pumping diesel fuel into a concealed auxiliary tank spanning the entire depth of his pickup bed. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

He made five unauthorized transactions. Investigators confiscated a counterfeit gift card after the defendant attempted to dispose of multiple cards before being searched.

Stephen Thornton, 70, of Dallas, was arrested for allegedly obtaining an amusement machine license by fraud.

During an inspection at four different locations, investigators seized 11 amusement machines that were not owned by the suspect. Further research found that 11 decals were purchased and registered to him for use of the machines. An investigation revealed that he submitted a general business license renewal and additional sticker application through fraud, then sold decals obtained by the applications.

Thornton is charged with obtaining a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and two counts of tampering with a government record, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Julius Tyler Dickens, 30, of Beaumont was indicted for allegedly making a false entry related to a sales and use tax exemption certificate.

Dickens is charged with tampering with a government document with the intent to defraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000; and with false entry on sales tax records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The defendant purchased furniture and advised the business that he had a tax exemption. He provided false information when completing a sales and use tax exemption certificate and was not affiliated with the business listed on the form, according to reports. The founder of the entity did not authorize him to use the business’ information for the purchase.

The case is pending prosecution in Hardin County.

Andrew Michael Correll, 30, of Houston, pleaded guilty to making fraudulent claims totaling more than $850,000 to the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division in June 2020.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, sentenced him to five years’ probation and 200 hours of community service. He must attend and complete two court-ordered education programs, pay a $1,500 fine and $290 in court costs.

Dismissed in his plea agreement was the related charge of forgery with the intent to obtain property greater than $300,000. He pleaded guilty to submitting false statements to obtain property greater than $300,000. Both offenses are first-degree felonies, punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Employees in the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division became suspicious of the numerous claims the defendant filed and notified the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID). An investigation revealed that a forged document and false statements were made when submitting the claims. Several affidavits obtained from the entities involved stated that the defendant had no authority to make claims or access the funds.

Oct. 12

Bobby Dion Mitchell, 55, of Bastrop, was indicted for allegedly forging a government treasury warrant.

Mitchell is charged with forgery, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The indictment was enhanced from a state jail felony offense to a second-degree felony offense based on previous felony convictions from other unrelated cases.

In June 2020, the defendant forged and attempted to cash a warrant at two local gas stations that purportedly had been issued by a state agency for crime victims. During a voluntary interview, the defendant advised that he was authorized to endorse his spouse’s warrant when further investigation revealed it was endorsed and cashed without the victim’s consent.

The case is pending prosecution in Bastrop County.

Raul Guerra Morales, 35, of Austin, was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 32 gallons of diesel fuel worth $97 from a chain grocery store in Kyle.

Officers reportedly observed the suspect acquiring the fuel. Store receipts show that he completed two transactions at the pump using two different cards. Investigators found two of 14 counterfeit gift cards used in the fraudulent transactions.

A motor fuel tax inspection revealed an approximate 100-gallon auxiliary fuel tank and two 60-gallon saddle tanks behind a sleeper cab that was modified from the box portion of his van. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, nozzle and digital fuel meter to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

Morales 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 of up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Hays County.

Pavel Victor Reyes Flores, 40, of Kermit, was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire 122 gallons of diesel fuel worth $350 from a Kyle chain convenience store. The suspect was dispensing fuel into a large auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of his pickup, according to reports. During the investigation, officers found 26 counterfeit cards. A motor fuel tax inspection showed a fuel tank of approximately 224 gallons at full capacity with diesel fuel.

Flores 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 of up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Kyle Police Department with the investigation of case, which is pending prosecution in Hays County.

Mirza Tanveer Akhtar, 52, of Kaufman, was arrested for allegedly operating a coin-operated amusement machine at his place of busines without a license or certificate.

During an inspection of the premises, an investigator identified that one of six machines did not have a current state tax decal and was sealed in accordance with the Occupations Code. An investigation determined that the suspect owned and displayed the coin-operated amusement machine without a general business license or registration certificate.

Akhtar is charged with operating a coin-operated amusement machine without a general business license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Kaufman County.

John Alihemati, 62, of El Paso, pleaded guilty to falsifying information on joint statements (vehicle title applications).

An El Paso County district judge granted him deferred adjudication, sentenced him to two years’ probation and 100 hours of community service. He was also placed on curfew and ordered to attend theft counseling, pay a $1,000 fine and $1,366 in restitution.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of signing a false statement which is a motor vehicle tax code crime. All three offenses are third-degree felonies, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that on five different occasions, the defendant filed motor vehicle titles to the tax assessor-collector with forged buyers’ signatures containing false material facts on the joint statements. The sale amount of the vehicle displayed on the title was being reported at a lower price.

Diosvany Anaya Fajardo, 43, of Houston pleaded guilty to illegally obtaining 123 gallons of diesel fuel worth $259 from a Pasadena gas station in August 2020.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced him to four years’ probation. He also ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Fajardo admitted to engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigators observed the defendant parking at a diesel pump on the far end of the station. Fuel from multiple pumps were dispensed into his modified truck. His truck bed was equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks and dispensary equipment.

A Comptroller investigator’s inspection at the scene confirmed that the defendant’s truck functioned as a fuel transport vehicle.

Ernesto Rodriguez Martinez, 39, of Addison pleaded guilty to illegally appropriating 150 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Dallas County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, and sentenced him to three years’ probation. He was also ordered to pay $290 in court costs with a fine of $2,000 that was probated.

Martinez admitted to transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax. Both charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In August 2020, an investigation revealed that Martinez intentionally and knowingly transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and evaded motor fuel tax by failing to pay the backup tax.

Maikel Avila-Perez, 41, of Houston, pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit cards to fraudulently obtain 30 gallons of diesel fuel worth $94.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, sentenced him to five years’ probation and 60 hours of community service. He also ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Avila-Perez admitted to engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A charge for possession of counterfeit credit cards with less than five items was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

In January 2018, local police arrested the defendant after reportedly observing him pumping fuel into an auxiliary tank of a pickup bed while using counterfeit credit/debit cards. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

Investigators found one of four cards used in the illegal transaction.

Raj Kumar Tamang, 38, of Fort Worth, was indicted for allegedly obtaining a coin-operated amusement machine license by fraud.

Tamang is charged with obtaining a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and failure to report or provide information to the comptroller, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2,000 or both.

On August 4 and 5, an investigation revealed that the defendant was displaying and operating numerous coin-operated amusement machines registered to another owner, according to reports. Investigators obtained information that he failed to provide records as required.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Mario Echevarria, 51, of Carrollton, pleaded guilty to illegally appropriating 100 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Dallas County district judge sentenced the defendant to 10 years in prison probated for five years.

Martinez admitted to transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax. Both charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In September 2020, an investigation revealed that Martinez intentionally and knowingly transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and evaded motor fuel tax by failing to pay the backup tax.

Abdul Ali Surani, 70, of Lewisville and Mohammad Matin Khan, 40, of Carrollton were indicted for not paying taxes on tobacco products.

Surani and Khan are charged with possession of untaxed tobacco, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation determined that the defendants were unlawfully storing and concealing tobacco products with the intent to evade tax being paid.

The case is pending prosecution in Denton County.

Osvaldo Guerra Rodriguez, 24, Braulio Valle Corona, 27, Adan Ricardo Naranjo Ramos, 29, and Lazaro Antonio Jimenez Oquendo, 28, all of Odessa, were arrested for allegedly unlawfully appropriating 150 gallons of diesel fuel for use on public highways.

The suspects unlawfully acquired diesel fuel from an Odessa fuel station underground storage tank to use in motor vehicles with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination to evade motor fuel tax. In the organized crime statute, combination is defined in Texas Penal Code Chapter 71, as three or more persons who collaborate in carrying on criminal activities.

All four suspects are charged with evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In addition, Ramos and Oquendo are charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, 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.

Yariel Montalvan Fernandez, 35, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded cards with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 28 gallons of diesel fuel from a Round Rock fuel station in March 2020.

A Williamson County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced him to four years’ probation. He also ordered him to pay a $100 fine and $375 in court costs.

Fernandez admitted to the state jail felony offense of credit card or debit card abuse. A charge for evading or attempting to evade motor fuels tax was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

The defendant was observed acquiring the diesel fuel. He claimed to have used his own debit card for the purchase. Investigators found 17 counterfeit cards during a vehicle search.

Hugo Alberto Rubio Andino, 31, of Round Rock pleaded guilty to using re-encoded cards with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 41 gallons of diesel fuel from a Round Rock fuel station in March 2020.

A Williamson County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced him to four years’ probation. He also fined him $100 and ordered him to pay $375 in court costs.

Andino admitted to the state jail felony offense of credit card or debit card abuse. A charge for evading or attempting to evade motor fuels tax was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

The defendant was observed acquiring the diesel fuel. He claimed to have used his own debit card for the purchase.

Roger Taracon Rodriguez, 43, of Houston was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit cards to illegally obtain 90 gallons of diesel fuel worth $299 from a Cypress chain grocery store.

A Harris County deputy constable observed the suspect pumping diesel fuel into his pickup truck. A traffic stop was conducted after his vehicle left the premises. An investigation revealed an approximate 100-gallon, large steel auxiliary fuel tank in the bed. The vehicle was equipped with a pump, hose and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense fuel. Sixty-two counterfeit cards were discovered in the investigation.

Rodriguez is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and evading 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 Harris County.

Marcus Jermaine Malbro, 27, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit cards to fraudulently purchase 195 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a chain convenience store in Baytown last winter.

Malbro is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuels tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In March 2021, a loss prevention manager provided the investigator with video surveillance of the transactions. The defendant was positively identified in the video through a driver’s license photo, according to reports. An auxiliary tank was found in the bed of his pickup truck.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Jeffrey Jason Hogue, 64, of Missouri City pleaded guilty to cigarette tax stamp offenses at his place of business in August 2020.

A Fort Bend County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, sentenced him to three years’ probation and 50 hours of community service. He also fined him $1,000 and ordered him to pay $290 in court costs and fees.

Hogue admitted to multiple counts of books and records violations, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The defendant filed false monthly distributor reports with the Comptroller’s office significantly underreporting his cigarette inventory purchases.

During an on-site inspection, investigators determined that the defendant failed to stamp a large quantity of cigarettes within a required timeframe. He also did not have a sufficient amount of cigarette tax stamps. Investigators seized the unstamped cigarettes.

Atiar Hossen, 30, of Euless pleaded guilty to operating amusement machines without proper documentation.

A Tarrant County court granted the defendant deferred adjudication, sentenced him to eight months’ probation and was credited with one day time served. He was ordered to pay $272 in court costs. Hossen admitted to operating amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

In May 2021, an amusement machine inspection of his business revealed that one of four machines did not have the required state tax decal affixed. An investigation determined that the defendant owned and displayed the amusement machines without a license or certificate.

Carlos Delacruz, 33, of Dallas pleaded guilty to illegally appropriating 52 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Dallas County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, and sentenced him to three years’ probation. He was also ordered to pay $290 in court costs.

Delacruz admitted to transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax. Both charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The defendant accepted a plea agreement of guilty with both charges running concurrently.

In August 2020, an investigation revealed that Delacruz intentionally and knowingly transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and evaded motor fuel tax by failing to pay the backup tax.

Kevin Lemar Sanchez, 31, of Houston pleaded guilty to forgery of a treasury warrant.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to two years’ probation and $500 in restitution, plus fees and court costs.

Sanchez admitted to forgery of a government instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In September 2017, an investigation revealed that the defendant intentionally forged and cashed a treasury warrant at a chain grocery store.

Leonardo Rodriguez Hidalgo, 42, of Grand Prairie and Reinaldo Rodriguez Moya, 50, of Houston were arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to fraudulently purchase 29 gallons of diesel fuel worth $85 from a chain convenience store in Gainesville.

An investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly used a counterfeit card to obtain the fuel. Investigators confirmed the fraudulent purchase with a receipt of the transaction from the business.

Hidalgo and Moya are charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Cooke County.

Armando Esponda Lopez, 51, and Rosbel LaRosa Acebo, 38, both of Houston were indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 281 gallons of diesel fuel and 19 gallons of premium gasoline in March 2021.

Lopez and Acebo are 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, and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. A credit card abuse victim contacted local law enforcement stating that her card was used at a gas station in Garwood, according to reports. The defendants were arrested after an officer reviewed video surveillance and determined that they used counterfeit cards to purchase the fuel.

The gasoline was dispensed into the primary tank of a pickup truck. The diesel fuel was dispensed into two large steel tanks in the cargo trailer and an auxiliary tank in the bed of the truck.

CID assisted the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Colorado County.

Luis Ochoa Cabrera, 59, of Houston was indicted for allegedly purchasing 32 gallons of diesel fuel worth $89 last spring.

Cabrera 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, and with credit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

On May 12, the defendant was under surveillance by investigators who reportedly witnessed him purchasing the fuel with counterfeit cards.

The case is pending prosecution in Colorado County.

Osmany Romero Peguero, 42, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 43 gallons of diesel fuel worth $149 and 16 gallons of unleaded gasoline worth $50 from a convenience store in Garden City.

During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers confiscated 16 counterfeit cards reportedly used in the fraudulent transactions. A fuel tax inspection uncovered a 90-gallon auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of the suspect’s pickup truck. He allegedly stated in an interview that he did not have shipping documents, a license or permit to transport the fuel.

Peguero is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax and fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Glasscock County.

Alexis Miguel Matos-Pena, 49, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly possessing re-encoded charge cards.

An officer conducting a fuel tax inspection observed a large auxiliary fuel tank in the flatbed of Matos-Pena’s pickup truck. It was connected to hoses, a fuel pump and a nozzle with a digital meter to dispense the fuel. During the investigation and arrest, nine counterfeit cards were found in the suspect’s possession, according to reports.

Matos-Pena is charged with fraudulent use or possession of more than five but fewer than 10 items of credit/debit card information, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Glasscock County.

Ahmad Abed Khalil, 36, of Haslet was arrested for allegedly possessing tobacco products without the state-issued permits required to be posted in public view.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s place of business, investigators reportedly noted several health and safety code violations. A cigarette and tobacco retail permit and a sales and use tax permit were not visibly posted in the business as required by statute. A store employee found the tobacco permit, according to reports, but the sales tax permit was never located.

Khalil is charged with possession of tobacco products without a posted tobacco permit, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Roberto Yordano Porras-Barreto, 31, of Midland was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 43 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a Garden City convenience store.

The store manager reportedly observed the suspect obtaining the fuel. Video surveillance and receipts from the business confirmed the fraudulent transactions, reports show.

After conducting a motor vehicle inspection, an officer observed a large, metal auxiliary tank laying in the truck bed concealed underneath a black, hard-shell bed cover. A hole cut in the cover exposed the fuel cap. Investigators reportedly found 41 counterfeit cards in the suspect’s possession.

Porras-Barreto is charged with evading motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Glasscock County.

Victor Manuel Garcia-Yaque, 38, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase 30 gallons of diesel fuel worth $102 from a Garden City convenience store.

A fuel tax inspection revealed 60- and 90-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks with an electric pump, fuel hose and nozzle in the bed of the pickup truck. During a vehicle search, 32 counterfeit cards were found in the suspect’s possession, reports show.

Garcia-Yaque is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Glasscock County.

Eduardo Arderi, 44, of Miami, Fla. was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 77 gallons of diesel fuel worth $147 from a chain convenience store in Euless.

An investigation revealed that the suspect avoided paying motor fuel tax. Reports show that his vehicle had been modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel. Eight counterfeit cards were found in the suspect’s possession, according to reports.

Arderi is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Loannys Martinez-Casa, 38, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 73 gallons of diesel fuel worth $188 at a gas station in East Houston in December 2019.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years in prison, crediting him with 244 days’ time served, plus fees and court costs.

Martinez-Casa admitted to fraudulent use/possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. A related charge of engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, was dismissed in his plea agreement.

Local police observed the suspect conducting multiple fuel transactions and confiscated 33 counterfeit cards from a wallet in his possession. They also discovered an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of his truck. It had been modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Cristian Rafael Licea Martinez, 30, of Addison was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire 156 gallons of diesel fuel worth $449 from multiple locations in Grand Prairie.

An investigation revealed the suspect allegedly used counterfeit cards to purchase the fuel. Video surveillance and business receipts confirmed the fraudulent transactions, reports show. Investigators found that the vehicle had been modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Martinez is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and 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 case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Larides Saez Morales, 32, of Houston was arrested for allegedly purchasing diesel fuel from a Devers gas station.

During a traffic stop, an investigator reportedly discovered a black auxiliary fuel tank hidden inside a black box on the bed of the vehicle. A second fuel tank located on the rear end of the truck reportedly contained a substantial amount of diesel fuel. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel, reports show.

Morales is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without the required license and unlawful use of a criminal instrument, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Liberty County Constable’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Liberty County.

Yacek Exposito, 39, of Corpus Christi pleaded guilty to using a company fleet card to unlawfully obtain and dispense 502 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Ward County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to six years’ probation and 600 hours of community service. He also fined him $1,500 and ordered him to pay $1,502 in restitution, plus fees and court costs.

Exposito admitted to evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant evaded or attempted to evade motor fuel tax.

Jorge Felix Lopez, 35, pleaded guilty to illegally purchasing motor fuel without the proper documentation.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction), sentencing him to three years’ probation plus fees and court costs.

Lopez admitted to accepting delivery of motor fuel without shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In January 2020, local police reportedly witnessed two suspects dispensing diesel fuel into large “bladder” tanks owned by the defendant. During a motor fuel tax inspection, investigators determined the defendants did not have any shipping documents.

Arnaldo Yuriel Armas-Garcia, 37, of Fountain, Colo. pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 39 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in May 2019.

A Fort Bend County district judge sentenced the defendant to 10 days in jail, crediting him with 10 days’ time served, and ordered him to pay court costs.

Armas-Garcia admitted to credit card abuse, which was reduced from a state jail felony to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

Dismissed in his plea agreement were related charges of evading motor fuel tax and purchasing motor fuel with the intent to evade tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and 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.

A store employee witnessed the defendant using counterfeit cards to purchase the fuel. Local police conducted a traffic stop and found he did not have any permits or licenses issued by the Comptroller’s office.

Luis Ochoa Cabrera, 59, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire 68 gallons of diesel fuel worth $149 last winter.

Cabrera 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, and with credit card or debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

On February 4, the defendant was observed using counterfeit cards to purchase diesel fuel. Investigators determined that the entire bed of his truck was retrofitted to conceal a 350-gallon fuel tank. It was outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, fuel nozzle and digital meter to deliver fuel to another vehicle, according to reports.

The case is pending prosecution in Lee County.

Raj Kumar Tamang, 38, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly obtaining a coin-operated amusement machine license by fraud and operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license.

An investigation revealed that the suspect was displaying and operating numerous coin-operated amusement machines registered to another owner, according to reports. Investigators obtained information that he failed to provide records as required.

Tamang is charged with obtaining a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and failure to report or provide information to the comptroller, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2,000, or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Alexeis Victor Salva-Matos, 36, of Irving was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded cards to fraudulently obtain 107 gallons of diesel fuel worth $199.

Salva-Matos is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, attempting to evade motor fuel tax and fraudulent use or possession of credit or debit card information of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In November 2020, an investigation revealed that the defendant intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade motor fuel tax by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest. He was also in possession of counterfeit cards used in acquiring the fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Andy Nunez-Leon, 36, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards for unlawfully acquiring 37 gallons of diesel fuel in the amount of $99.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to two days in jail, crediting him with two days’ time served, and ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Nunez-Leon admitted to engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, which was reduced from a third-degree felony to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

An investigation revealed that the defendant knowingly and intentionally delivered diesel fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank and acted as a motor fuel transporter without a required license. 22 counterfeit cards were found in his possession.

Timothy Goff, 54, of Godley was arrested for allegedly falsifying information related to a sales and use tax permit.

An investigation revealed that the suspect provided false information when completing a sales and use tax permit. The permit was not issued due to an existing liability, according to reports.

Goff is charged with tampering with a government record with the intent to defraud or harm, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Roshan Mainali, 20, of Irving was arrested for allegedly possessing tobacco products without the state-issued permits required to be posted in public view.

During a compliance inspection of the suspect’s place of business, investigators reportedly confirmed that the tobacco sales permit along with the sales and use tax permit posted were not the originals as required by statute. He advised both originals were located at his residence.

Mainali is charged with possession of tobacco products without a posted tobacco permit, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Osvaldo Martinez-Hernandez, 53, of Midland and Jorge Luis Barreto Cisneros, 28, of Odessa were indicted for allegedly obtaining large amounts of diesel fuel from a West Texas gas location.

Martinez-Hernandez and Cisneros are charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Hernandez is also charged with unlawful interception, use or disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communications, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The defendants were observed appropriating diesel fuel into large auxiliary fuel tanks in the beds of their trucks. Deputies conducted traffic stops as the vehicles were leaving the premises. They were detained until investigators arrived and conducted a motor fuel tax compliance inspection.

During a consented vehicle search, a remote-control device was found in the center console of Martinez-Hernandez's truck. Investigators suspect that the diesel fuel was unlawfully dispensed by using the remote to place the pumps into maintenance mode while allowing the pumps to free-flow the diesel fuel without any transaction details.

The case is pending prosecution in Midland County.

Hector Fredy Rios Estrada, 50, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully purchase 84 gallons of diesel fuel worth $250 from a chain convenience store.

Investigators conducting joint surveillance observed the suspect perform two transactions and dispense the fuel into a large auxiliary fuel tank in the bed of his truck. They continued rolling surveillance and noticed him stop at another location appropriating fuel into a semi-truck and into an auxiliary tank of a utility truck bed. Nine counterfeit cards were confiscated during a motor fuel tax inspection.

Estrada is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and attempting to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

DPS assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Raidel Borrego Cardoso, 35, of Burleson and Jeilier Sarria Gutierrez, 22, of Hialeah, Fl. were arrested for alleged using a re-encoded charge card to illegally acquire 127 gallons of diesel fuel worth $392.

A motor fuel tax inspection revealed a concealed auxiliary fuel tank in the flatbed of the truck. The vehicle was outfitted with a fuel hose, digital meter and nozzle to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel. Gutierrez confirmed that he did not have the required permits or documents.

Cardoso and Gutierrez are charged with 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 Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Bastrop County.

Yoandry Pereira Tamayo, 39, of Porter was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully purchase 72 gallons of diesel fuel worth $187 in January 2020.

Tamayo is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest and attempting to evade motor fuel tax, second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine; unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information with less than 5 items, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

A Department of Public Safety (DPS) agent reportedly observed the defendant conducting a fuel transaction using counterfeit cards. An investigation revealed a black fuel bladder in the bed of the defendant’s truck. It was outfitted to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Hardin County.

Sergio Garcia Lozano, 53, of Lockhart was indicted for allegedly falsifying information on government records related to vehicle sales.

Lozano is charged with three counts of forgery of motor vehicle title application, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the defendant listing different sales prices on the application for title from the bill of sale on vehicles to avoid paying the full amount of sales tax. Lozano confirmed in a consensual interview that sales prices on the bill of sale were correct and false or incorrect amounts were recorded on the application of title. The defendant also stated that he was the only one that signed all the applications for the vehicles he sold.

The case is pending prosecution in Caldwell County.

Alberto Almira-Santos, 37, of Pflugerville pleaded guilty to using a re-encoded card with stolen credit/debit card information to fraudulently obtain 82 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in New Braunfels.

A Comal County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction), sentenced him to five years’ probation and 300 hours of community service. He also fined him $2,000 and ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Almira-Santos admitted to fraudulent possession of credit/debit card information, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life and a fine up to $10,000. The charges of evading motor fuel tax and unlawful use of a criminal instrument were both dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

In June 2020, the defendant was observed illegally acquiring diesel fuel. The store manager recognized him from previous fuel purchases at the same location on seven different occasions as verified by store receipts and surveillance video.

Officers located 127 counterfeit cards during a vehicle inventory. A motor fuel tax inspection revealed an approximate 280-gallon fuel tank in the truck bed. The truck was outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, fuel nozzle and digital fuel meter to deliver fuel to another vehicle. A toggle switch used to direct the fuel from the supply tank to the auxiliary tank was inside the truck cab.

Osvaldo Martinez-Hernandez, 54, of Midland pleaded guilty to obtaining large amounts of diesel fuel from a West Texas gas location in September 2020.

A Midland County district judge sentenced the defendant to eight years’ probation and 300 hours of community service. He also ordered him to pay $101,762 in restitution and $290 in court costs.

Martinez-Hernandez admitted to evading motor fuel tax and unlawful interception, use or disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communications, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge of transporting motor fuel without shipping documents was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

The defendant was observed putting diesel fuel into large auxiliary fuel tanks in the bed of his truck. A traffic stop was conducted as his vehicle was leaving the premises. He was detained until investigators could perform a motor fuel tax compliance inspection.

A remote-control device was located in the center console during a consent to search the vehicle. Investigators determined that the diesel fuel was unlawfully dispensed by using the remote to place the pumps into maintenance mode while allowing the pumps to free-flow the fuel without any transaction details.

Antonio Cedric Foster, 41, of Arlington was arrested for allegedly failing to pay sales tax collected.

An investigation revealed that the suspect was intentionally and knowingly operating his business without a sales and use tax permit, and he did not pay the state taxes owing over $1,500 and under $20,000 from 2016 to 2019.

Foster is charged with failure to remit sales tax collected of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Yamil Hernandez-Valdes, 34, of Houston pleaded guilty to using a re-encoded charge card to illegally acquire 29 gallons of diesel fuel worth $74 from a Houston gas station.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication and sentenced him to two years’ probation. He also ordered him to pay $350 in court costs and fees.

Dismissed in his plea agreement was the related charge for engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He pleaded guilty to fraudulent use or possession of credit or debit card information with less than five items, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000, was reduced to community supervision.

In February 2020, investigators reportedly observed the defendant dispensing diesel fuel into two auxiliary fuel tanks partially concealed in the truck bed. During a traffic stop, they confiscated a digital information storage card that contained 27 credit/debit card numbers.

Cruz Plasencia, 47, of Houston pleaded guilty to concealing motor fuel in violation of the Texas Motor Fuels Tax Code for an offense which occurred in January 2020.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to three days in jail, crediting him with two days’ time served, and ordered him to pay $615 in court costs and fees. As part of his plea agreement, the charge for transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

Local police reportedly witnessed the defendant driving a truck into a trucking yard. He allegedly dispensed fuel from a tank in his truck into a large bladder owned by another person.

Edel Gonzalez, 32, of Houston pleaded guilty to using a charge card to illegally obtain 38 gallons of diesel fuel worth $132.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to 20 days in jail, crediting him with 18 days’ time served, and ordered him to pay $335 in court costs and fees.

As part of his plea agreement, the charges for engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and displaying a fictitious license plate, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 day in jail, a fine up to $2,000 or both, were dismissed. The charge for credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000, was adjudicated pursuant to 12.44 of the Texas Penal Code and his punishment was reduced to misdemeanor confinement in the county jail.

In May 2018, local police observed the defendant dispensing large quantities of diesel fuel into an auxiliary tank in the truck bed. Investigators determined that the vehicle was modified to transport fuel.

Yunier Cruz, 29, of Pflugerville was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards with stolen credit/debit card information to unlawfully acquire 62 gallons of diesel fuel worth $179 from a chain grocery store.

During a consent to search of a vehicle, investigators located and confiscated 47 counterfeit cards. A motor fuel tax inspection revealed an approximate 100-gallon auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the truck. It was outfitted with a pump and fuel hose to receive, transport and dispense fuel. Cruz confirmed that he did not have the required permits or documents.

Cruz 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, and credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Hays County.

Ajitpal Singh Toor, 37, of Fort Worth and Jaswinder Singh Randhawa, 69, of Southlake were arrested for allegedly possessing tobacco products without the state-issued permit required to be posted in public view.

During a compliance inspection of the suspects’ business, an investigator reportedly observed several violations. A cigarette and tobacco retail permit was not visibly posted in the business as required by statute, and notification forms were not completed by employees.

Toor and Randhawa are charged with possession of tobacco products without a posted tobacco permit, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Lakeria Washington, 24, of Houston was indicted for allegedly forging a government instrument.

Washington is charged with forgery of a government financial instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In May 2018, the defendant forged and cashed a treasury warrant at a chain grocery store that purportedly had been issued by a state agency for hurricane victims.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Pedro Ruiz Crespo, 49, of Houston pleaded guilty to concealing motor fuel in violation of the Texas Motor Fuels Tax Code which occurred in January 2020.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to three days in jail, crediting him with two days’ time served, and ordered him to pay $595 in court costs and fees.

As part of his plea agreement, the charge for transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both. Local police reportedly witnessed the defendant driving a truck into a trucking yard. He allegedly dispensed fuel from a tank in his truck into a large bladder owned by another person.

Paula Najera, 25, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly failing to maintain the required records on tobacco purchases.

An on-site inspection revealed that the suspect, who owned the business, failed to maintain and produce the required records from July 2020 to July 2021.

Najera is charged with failure to maintain requisite tax books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Rodolfo Giniebra-Santos, 26, of Pflugerville pleaded guilty to using a re-encoded card with stolen credit/debit card information to fraudulently obtain 82 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in New Braunfels.

A Comal County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication (no final conviction), sentenced him to five years’ probation and 300 hours of community service. He also fined him $500 and ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Giniebra-Santos admitted to fraudulent use of credit/debit card information, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life and a fine up to $10,000. The charges of evading motor fuel tax and unlawful use of a criminal instrument were both dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

In June 2020, the defendant was observed illegally acquiring diesel fuel. The store manager recognized him from previous fuel purchases at the same location on seven different occasions as verified by store receipts and surveillance video.

Officers located 127 counterfeit cards during a vehicle inventory. A motor fuel tax inspection revealed an approximate 280-gallon fuel tank in the truck bed. The truck was outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, fuel nozzle and digital fuel meter to deliver fuel to another vehicle. A toggle switch used to direct the fuel from the supply tank to the auxiliary tank that was inside the truck cab.

Donald James Tigert, 63, of Frisco was arrested for allegedly operating a coin-operated amusement machine without a license.

An inspection revealed that the suspect was displaying and operating a coin-operated amusement machine with an expired state tax decal. He was identified as the owner of the amusement machine, and he did not have an active general business license or registration certificate.

Tigert is charged with operating amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Orlando Martinez-Borrell, 28, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully purchase 67 gallons of diesel fuel worth $174.

A Harris County district judge granted the defendant deferred adjudication, sentenced him to 4 years’ probation and ordered him to pay $290 in court costs.

Martinez-Borrell admitted to fraudulent possession of credit card information of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The charge of engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.

Local police reportedly observed the defendant dispensing fuel into an auxiliary tank located in the bed of a truck. Ten counterfeit cards were found in his possession. The vehicle was modified with pumps and hoses to receive and dispense fuel.

Valerie Richelle Ellis, 34, and John Anthony Rodrigues, 39, of The Colony were arrested for allegedly failing to pay sales tax collected.

An investigation revealed that the suspects were operating their business without a sales and use tax permit. Records provided to the investigator confirmed that sales tax was collected, however did not pay the state taxes totaling several thousands of dollars.

Ellis and Rodrigues are charged with failure to remit sales tax collected of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Denton County.

Zachary Dale Rucas, 34, of Hico pleaded guilty to having 80 gallons of red dyed diesel fuel stored in his vehicle for use in violation of the Texas Motor Fuels Tax Code.

A Howard County judge sentenced the defendant to 12 months’ probation and 24 hours of community service. He also fined him $500 and ordered him to pay $270 in court costs.

Rucas admitted to concealing motor fuel, a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

An investigator discovered the defendant concealing the dyed diesel fuel during fuel compliance inspections at various oil rig locations. Both the main supply and auxiliary fuel tanks of his truck contained the dyed diesel.

Steven Adam Moore, 42, of Crowley was arrested for allegedly operating amusement machines at his place of business without a license.

Local police contacted CID investigators about the amusement machines. During a subsequent inspection of a game room on the premises, investigators identified multiple amusement machines displayed in violation of the Occupations Code. An investigation determined that the suspect owned and displayed amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate.

Moore is charged with operating amusement machines without a license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

The Fort Worth Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Jose Hernandez Suarez, 40, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase approximately 99 gallons of diesel fuel worth $199 from a chain convenience store in Irving.

The suspect allegedly purchased the fuel through two illegal transactions. Local police conducted a traffic stop and recovered 19 counterfeit cards in his possession, reports show. Two active felony warrants previously had been issued for the suspect for allegedly violating motor fuel tax requirements.

Suarez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Carlos Cabrera-Alonso, 26, of Grand Prairie was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase approximately 91 gallons of diesel fuel worth $186 from a chain convenience store in Irving.

The suspect allegedly purchased the fuel through four illegal transactions. Local police conducted a traffic stop and reportedly recovered seven counterfeit cards in his possession. Two active felony warrants previously had been issued for alleged violations of motor fuel tax requirements. Cabrera-Alonso is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Rosbel La Rosa Acebo, 37, of Miami, Fla. pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit cards to unlawfully obtain more than 39 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100 from a chain convenience store in Baytown last year.

A Harris County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to four years’ probation, 120 hours of community service and ordered him to pay fees and court costs.

Acebo admitted to motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In October 2019, a store employee witnessed the defendant using re-encoded credit cards to purchase diesel fuel. During a subsequent traffic stop, local police did not find any permits or licenses and confiscated 11 counterfeit cards from him. Investigators also discovered an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of his pickup truck.

Maria Doblado-Barges, 26, of Lexington was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire 145 gallons of diesel fuel worth $300 from several gas stations in Bastrop County last October.

Doblado-Barges is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators reportedly observed the defendant using counterfeit cards to purchase the fuel. She had been observed with other suspects utilizing the same vehicles at a residence in Lee County, where the fuel theft scheme started and ended. Two other co-defendants were previously indicted.

The case is pending prosecution in Lee County.

Gunter Joan Gomez Heredia, 31, and Darien Rodriguez Franco, 36, both of Odessa, were arrested for allegedly using a fraudulent credit card to illegally obtain 46 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a fueling station in Seminole.

Video surveillance along with an eyewitness spotted the suspects obtaining the fuel from a pump. Local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and identified Heredia. Franco allegedly provided two fictitious forms of identification.

During the ensuing vehicle inspection, an investigator observed a large, metal, homemade auxiliary tank in the bed of the suspects’ pickup truck, concealed by a white, hard-shelled bed cover. Heredia reportedly stated that the tank could hold 250 gallons of fuel. The vehicle was outfitted with a pump, hoses and a nozzle to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel, reports show.

Heredia and Franco are charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Heredia is also charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The sheriffs’ offices in Andrews and Gaines counties assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Andrew County.

Rolando Ortiz-Utrera, 33, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded gift cards to illegally purchase 116 gallons of diesel fuel worth $302 in March 2019 from a Pearland chain convenience store.

A Brazoria County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to two years’ probation and 80 hours of community service, ordering him to pay a $500 fine plus fees and court costs.

Ortiz-Utrera admitted to 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. Dismissed in the plea agreement was a related charge of motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

On March 22, 2019, local police apprehended the defendant while dispensing fuel into an auxiliary tank concealed in his pickup truck. Store employees observed him attempting to use multiple credit cards at the pump to complete the transactions. Two counterfeit cards containing credit card information were found in his possession.

Jonathan Diego Martinez, 21, of Houston was indicted for allegedly falsifying records at his place of business.

Martinez is charged with two counts of making a false entry into records, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A CID investigator received a complaint regarding the defendant’s business selling stolen goods. The investigator conducted a sales tax inspection and issued the defendant a records demand. An investigation revealed that he failed to report taxable sales for the second quarter of 2020 and did not keep purchase invoices of taxable items.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Dennis Jimenez Gallardo, 26, of Katy pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit cards to unlawfully purchase diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Katy in April 2019.

A Fort Bend County district judge sentenced him to two years’ probation; 200 hours of community service; a $1,000 fine plus court costs; and $38.63 in restitution along with a letter of apology to the retailer.

Gallardo admitted to credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Dismissed in the plea agreement were related charges of motor fuel tax evasion and purchasing motor fuel with the intent to evade a tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A charge of 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, also was dismissed.

On April 30, 2019, local police identified the defendant’s pickup truck with a fuel tank welded onto the bed. The modified vehicle was outfitted with hoses and nozzles to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel.

Yainel Maturell Fernandez, 31, of Houston was indicted for allegedly possessing re-encoded gift cards containing credit card information.

Fernandez is charged with fraudulent use/possession of credit/debit card information, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

During a traffic stop, a Harris County deputy sheriff detained the defendant, then arrested him after confirming two active felony warrants. Numerous gift cards and credit cards were found in his wallet, according to reports. CID investigators discovered five counterfeit gift cards with credit card information not issued to the defendant during a search incidental to a lawful arrest.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yimi Bentancourt Ramires, 40, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 154 gallons of diesel fuel worth $299 at a Baytown chain convenience store last October.

Ramires is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The store manager observed the defendant purchasing the fuel and recognized him from previous occasions. The manager called local police, who captured the defendant a short distance away after he departed the premises.

He reportedly was driving a pickup truck with a large auxiliary tank in the bed, capable of holding more than 100 gallons of fuel. A total of 26 counterfeit cards were found in his possession, reports show.

The Baytown Police Department arrested the defendant and CID assisted in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Eligo Benavides, 40, of Alamo pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining diesel fuel.

A Fort Bend County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to three years’ probation; 200 hours of community service; a $1,500 fine plus fees; and $107.27 in restitution along with a letter of apology.

Benavides admitted to 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. Dismissed in the plea agreement was a related charge of motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant intentionally and knowingly failed to pay the backup tax liability by illegally appropriating diesel fuel, and unlawfully used a vehicle modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel.

Alfredo Alvarez Solis, 23, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using credit/debit cards to illegally acquire approximately 80 gallons of diesel fuel worth $147.

Solis is charged with evading or attempting to evade fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and 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.

An investigation revealed that the defendant pumped fuel into an auxiliary tank of his box truck acting as a motor fuel transporter. A local police officer reportedly found 14 credit/debit cards in his possession.

CID assisted the Pearland Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Brazoria County.

Asif Ali, 46, of Tyler was indicted for allegedly obtaining a coin-operated amusement license by fraud and purchasing untaxed tobacco products from an unlicensed distributor.

Ali is charged with obtaining a coin-operated amusement license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, and possessing tobacco products with tax due, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Local law enforcement contacted a CID investigator in reference to the amusement machine. During an inspection, the investigator identified it as a “one fish table-type” coin-operated amusement machine with no tax decal that allegedly was owned by the suspect. An investigation determined that the defendant had failed to apply for the 2021 tax year license or registration certificate.

The investigator reviewed the registration certificate application dated Aug. 17, 2020 and noticed two serial numbers. One amusement machine matched one serial number, but the defendant claimed to not have had the second machine when the application was completed.

A retail tobacco inspection identified multiple boxes of tobacco products without invoices. The investigator further determined that some of the products were not purchased through a licensed distributor. The case is pending prosecution in Morris County.

Julius Tyler Dickens, 29, of Beaumont was arrested for allegedly making a false entry related to a sales and use tax exemption certificate.

The suspect purchased furniture and advised the business that he had a tax exemption. He provided false information when completing a sales and use tax exemption certificate and was not affiliated with the business listed on the form. The founder of the entity did not authorize him to use the business’ information for the purchase.

Dickens is charged with tampering with a government document with the intent to defraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with false entry on tax records (sales and use tax exempt certificate), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspect on the warrants served during the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Hardin County.

Roberto Ariel Torres-Carralero, 53, of Hialeah Gardens, Fla.; Alexey Romero-Perez, 45, of Homestead, Fla. and Freyzer Zaldivar-Rodriguez, 39, of Odessa were indicted for allegedly unlawfully appropriating several hundred gallons of diesel fuel for use on public highways.

Torres-Carralero, Romero-Perez and Zaldivar-Rodriguez are charged with 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 defendants allegedly obtained the fuel from a West Texas Gas fuel station storage tank to use in motor vehicles with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination or in the profits of combination to evade motor fuel tax.

The case is pending prosecution in Midland County.

Orlando Martinez-Borrell, 27, of Katy was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to unlawfully obtain 67 gallons of diesel fuel worth $174.

Martinez-Borrell is charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

On Jan. 21, 2020, local police reportedly observed the defendant dispensing fuel into an auxiliary tank located in the bed of a pickup truck. Officers conducted a traffic stop and confiscated 10 counterfeit cards in his possession, reports show.

The Houston Police Department arrested the defendant and CID assisted with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Salvador Perez Camacho, 30, of Odessa was indicted for allegedly transporting approximately 80 gallons of untaxed red-dyed diesel fuel.

Camacho is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In February 2020, the defendant allegedly stored the fuel in the external fuel tank of a pickup truck. 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.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Eddy Suarez-Velazquez, 34, of Odessa was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase approximately 61 gallons of diesel fuel worth $199 from a Seminole gas station.

The suspect allegedly purchased the fuel through two illegal transactions. Local police conducted a traffic stop, and a vehicle inspection uncovered a large metal auxiliary fuel tank under a black rubber mat. A large hose, digital meter and nozzle were attached to the tank, according to reports. The suspect was arrested on two active felony warrants.

Suarez-Velazquez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Seminole Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Gaines County.

Dien Phuc Nguyen, 51, of Watauga was arrested for allegedly operating amusement machines at his place of business without proper documentation.

During an inspection of his game room, investigators identified 10 machines that did not have the required state tax decals affixed. An investigation determined that the suspect owned and displayed the machines without a license or certificate.

Nguyen is charged with operating amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

The Watauga Police Department arrested the suspect during the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Michael Horton, 20, John Dudley, 30, and Marcus Malbro, 26, all of Houston, were indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 58 gallons of diesel fuel worth $152.

Each member of the trio is charged with fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with 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.

Local police responded to a call after convenience store staff recognized a suspicious vehicle pumping diesel fuel. Another vehicle identified at the location also reportedly was involved. All three suspects were observed pumping diesel fuel into the two pickup trucks, according to reports.

Upon arrival, officers confiscated three counterfeit credit/debit cards allegedly in the possession of two of the suspects. Vehicle inspections determined that both pickup trucks contained auxiliary tanks equipped to transport large quantities of fuel.

The Katy Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Hm Anuik, 25, of Euless was arrested for allegedly operating amusement machines at two of his businesses without a license.

During an inspection of his two game rooms, investigators confirmed that one of four machines at one location and five machines at another location did not have the required tax decals affixed, according to reports. An investigation determined that the suspect owned and displayed the amusement machines without proper documentation.

Anuik is charged with two counts of operating amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate, each a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

Both cases are pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Atiar Hossen, 29, and Md Ashiful Hoque, 34, both of Euless, were arrested for allegedly operating amusement machines at their place of business without proper documentation.

During an amusement machine inspection of the suspects’ game room, investigators reportedly found that one of four machines did not have the required state tax decal affixed. An investigation determined that the suspects owned and displayed the amusement machines without a license or certificate.

Hossen and Hoque each are charged with operating amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

The cases are pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Felicia Yvonne Polk, 39, of Houston pleaded true to violating terms of her four-year probation that she was serving for forgery of a government instrument. She violated terms of her probation by committing assault – family violence and by failing a random drug test.

A Harris County district judge sentenced the defendant to 30 days in jail, crediting her with 17 days’ time served, and ordered her to pay fees and court costs.

Polk was adjudicated guilty of attempted forgery of a government instrument, a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000. She had been on probation since November 2018.

She passed and cashed a counterfeit state treasury check, called a warrant, that purportedly had been issued by a state agency for hurricane victims.

Alexander Ortiz-Carranzana, 36, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 83 gallons of diesel fuel worth $200 from a Pearland convenience store in 2019.

A Brazoria County district judge sentenced Ortiz-Carranzana to two years’ probation and 160 hours of community service and ordered him to pay a $300 fine plus fees and court costs.

Ortiz-Carranzana admitted to evading a fuel tax. The evading motor fuel tax violation and the fraudulent possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 identifying items are both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The fraudulent use/possession of identifying items was dismissed as part of the plea deal. Local police responded to a call from convenience store staff concerning the defendant’s prior fraudulent purchases. Upon arrival, police observed him dispensing fuel into a flatbed pickup truck and confiscated 29 counterfeit cards in his possession.

An inspection of the vehicle revealed an auxiliary fuel tank underneath the flatbed equipped with nozzles, pumps and hoses designed to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Javier Jimenez Garcia, 21, of Lubbock was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 30 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100 from a Seminole gas station.

Local police identified the suspect’s vehicle parked by a fuel pump. He and a companion (see May 2 summary below) abandoned the pickup truck on foot but were later apprehended after a search of the area.

A subsequent vehicle inspection revealed a large, black, plastic auxiliary fuel tank in the truck’s bed. A hose attached to an electric pump and a set of booster cables were hooked to a car battery to dispense fuel. Officers confiscated 31 Walmart gift cards during the arrest.

Garcia is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information. All three charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Seminole Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Gaines County.

MD Rashedur Rahman, 30, of Arlington was arrested for allegedly obtaining a coin-operated amusement machine license by fraud and operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license at his place of business.

An investigation of his game room revealed the suspect was displaying and operating numerous coin-operated amusement machines without the required tax decals affixed, according to reports. Investigators obtained information that he submitted the registration certificate through fraud or misrepresentation.

Rahman is charged with obtaining a coin-operated amusement license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is accused of three counts of operating a coin-operated amusement machine without a license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The Fort Worth Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Rafael Perez Hung, 34, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 35 gallons of diesel fuel worth $90 from a Pearland chain convenience store in November 2019.

A Brazoria County district judge sentenced him to two years’ probation in lieu of 364 days in jail, ordering him to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 fine plus fees.

Hung admitted to 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 charge was reduced in the plea agreement to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both. Dismissed was a related charge of motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. On Nov. 5, a store employee reportedly witnessed what appeared to be an unlawful transaction at a gas pump and alerted local police. Upon apprehending the defendant, officers discovered an auxiliary tank mounted in the bed of his pickup truck. Reports show that the tank had been modified with a hose, nozzle, pump and meter to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Michel Alzugaray-Ruano, 24, of Miami, Fla. was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 30 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100 from a Seminole gas station.

Local police identified the suspect’s vehicle parked by a fuel pump. He and a companion (see May 14 summary above) abandoned the pickup truck on foot but were later apprehended after a search of the area.

During a subsequent vehicle inspection, investigators discovered a large, black, plastic auxiliary fuel tank in the truck bed. A hose attached to an electric pump and a set of booster cables were hooked to a car battery to dispense the fuel, according to reports. Officers located 31 Walmart gift cards near the suspect.

Alzugaray-Ruano is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information. All three charges are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Seminole Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Gaines County.

Pavel Rodriguez-Jimenez, 40, of Austin was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully purchase 76 gallons of diesel fuel worth $200 from an Austin chain convenience store in March 2020.

He is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators conducting surveillance allegedly observed the defendant’s vehicle containing an auxiliary fuel tank, fuel pump, hose and nozzle. They reportedly witnessed the suspect purchasing the fuel using two counterfeit cards.

During an inventory of the property, investigators confiscated 32 counterfeit cards, according to reports.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Jerry Wayne Graham, 66, of Nacogdoches pleaded guilty to misrepresenting his tax permit status and selling tobacco products without a valid permit in October 2019.

A Nacogdoches County judge sentenced him to one year’s probation in lieu of a year in jail and ordered him to pay a $200 fine plus court costs.

Graham admitted to selling tobacco without a valid permit and misleading the Comptroller’s office in violation of the state tax code. Both offenses are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

During a compliance inspection, the defendant produced a sales tax certificate and a tobacco permit. The permit was non-active and not for the address of the location being inspected. He claimed that both documents were valid for the location during the inspection.

Wilmer Brizuela-Garcia, 42, of Houston pleaded guilty to illegally obtaining approximately 69 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Montgomery County district judge sentenced him to two years’ probation in lieu of a year in jail, ordering him to perform 80 hours of community service and pay fees and court costs. Brizuela-Garcia admitted to motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. In the plea agreement, the charges were reduced to Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000, or both.

On March 11, 2020, investigators conducted a joint surveillance operation on the defendant. During a traffic stop, they inspected his vehicle and discovered that it was equipped with an auxiliary tank designed to store and transport fuel.

Jose Ramirez Urtiaga, 31, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 254 gallons of diesel fuel worth $687 from a Boyd gas station.

An investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly purchased the fuel through seven fraudulent transactions. Officers reportedly recovered 67 counterfeit cards in his possession. His flatbed truck was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel, according to reports.

Urtiaga is charged with fraudulent possession or use of more than 50 items of identifying information, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., the truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Wise County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Wise County.

Tariq Khalifa, 39, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license.

Local law enforcement received complaints about the suspect’s business and contacted CID investigators. Upon inspection, they found five coin-operated machines, but the registration certificate listed six machines at the business location.

After making contact with the suspect, he reportedly disclosed that the sixth machine was at his residence. Investigators confirmed its presence with documenting photos of the alleged violation.

Khalifa is charged with operating a coin-operated amusement machine without a license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Yudiel Infante Garcia, 39, of of Irving was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 42 gallons of diesel fuel worth $98 from a convenience store.

During a traffic stop, local police stated that the suspect allegedly purchased the fuel at another gas station. A CID investigator reportedly recovered 29 counterfeit cards in the suspect’s possession. An investigation determined that the suspect’s flatbed “dually” pickup truck was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel.

Garcia is charged with fraudulent possession or use of more than 10 but less than 50 items of identifying information; motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He is also charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., the truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

James Ali Koneiber, 61, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly purchasing untaxed tobacco products from unlicensed distributors.

A retail tobacco site inspection reportedly produced invoices showing purchases of tobacco products from an unlicensed, out-of-state distributor with no taxes paid from December 2019 to August 2020. Investigators determined that multiple purchases from two companies were not permitted as tobacco distributors.

Koneiber is charged with possessing tobacco products with tax due, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The case is pending prosecution in Hopkins County.

Candyce Lee “Candy” Chazel, 63, of Odessa was indicted for allegedly defrauding officials into issuing her documents required to operate “eight-liner” electronic slot machines.

Chazel is charged with obtaining an amusement machine license or registration certificate by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A joint investigation revealed the defendant had transported several of the video gambling machines from locations in and around Odessa and Crane into Hood County without a license or registration certificate. Chazel allegedly falsified two registration renewal applications for the machines in January using information belonging to her deceased husband.

CID assisted the Hood County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Frank Dayan Perez Reyes, 31, of Venus was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 65 gallons of diesel fuel worth $120 at a Mansfield gas station.

An investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly used counterfeit cards to illegally acquire the fuel. He used a flatbed dually pickup truck to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel without proper documentation, according to reports.

Reyes is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., the truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Yelson Martinez Valdes, 27, of Irving was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully acquire 156 gallons of diesel fuel worth $448 from chain convenience stores in Dallas, Carrollton and Grand Prairie.

The suspect allegedly used counterfeit cards to obtain the fuel from several gas stations. Video surveillance and receipts from the businesses confirmed the fraudulent transactions, reports show. An investigation determined that he used his pickup truck to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel without proper documentation.

Valdes is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., the truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Alexandra Elizabeth Rodriguez, 49, of Venus was arrested for unlawfully acquiring re-encoded charge card information to use in illegal purchases of diesel fuel.

During the execution of a search warrant of the suspect’s residence, law enforcement investigators determined that the suspect was producing counterfeit cards for others’ use to fraudulently obtain and resell diesel fuel. The suspect allegedly defrauded victims by collecting their debit/credit card information and using it without their consent. In other related cases, Frank Dayan Perez Reyes and Yudiel Infante Garcia were arrested on charges of illegally purchasing diesel fuel with counterfeit cards.

Rodriguez is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Mansfield and Irving police departments in the joint investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Maikel Leyva-Rodriguez, 38, of Austin was arrested for allegedly transporting 50 gallons of diesel fuel without proper documentation.

During a motor vehicle tax inspection at a truck yard, officers reportedly observed the suspect disconnect a fuel pump from a concealed auxiliary tank and place a hose and nozzle on his flatbed truck. The vehicle was outfitted to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel to semi-tractor trailers, according to reports.

Four counterfeit charge cards were confiscated during a consensual search of the truck. Investigators claim the suspect admitted delivering the fuel to the location without having any permits.

Leyva-Rodriguez is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Mohsin Mansurali Dauva, 34, of Leander was indicted for allegedly purchasing untaxed tobacco products from an unlicensed distributor and failing to maintain the required records.

Dauva is charged with possessing tobacco products having tax due and failure to maintain requisite tax books and records, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID received a complaint stating the defendant was purchasing and selling tobacco products from two businesses. A retail tobacco inspection identified tobacco products without any invoices. The investigation determined that the products were not purchased through a licensed distributor.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Furqan Rashid Sunka, 38, of Austin was indicted for allegedly failing to pay motor vehicle taxes collected on automobiles he sold.

Sunka is charged with failure to remit taxes collected, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

In 2017 and 2018, the defendant allegedly sold vehicles but failed to complete the title transfers or pay the taxes, title and registration fees on those sales.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Phillip Martin Garrison, 52, of Argyle was arrested for allegedly failing to pay motor vehicle sales taxes collected to the tax assessor-collector and fees to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles from Motorcars of Dallas.

An investigation revealed that the suspect did not pay the county tax assessor-collector taxes totaling over $6,000 from April 2015 to September 2019.

Garrison is charged with failure to remit taxes collected by a motor vehicle dealer of $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Harney Sosa Rodriguez, 43, of Dumas was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 110 gallons of diesel fuel from an Amarillo gas station last fall.

Rodriguez is charged with attempting to evade a tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with 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.

In November 2020, video surveillance showed the defendant purchasing the fuel using stolen credit card information, according to reports. Officers arrested him and confiscated three counterfeit credit cards in his possession. An investigation determined that his vehicle had been modified and equipped to receive, transport and dispense sizable quantities of fuel from a large auxiliary tank bolted to the truck bed.

CID assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Potter County.

Alexander Ortiz-Carrazana, 36, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 83 gallons of diesel fuel worth $200 from a Pearland convenience store in 2019.

A Brazoria County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years’ probation and 160 hours of community service and ordered him to pay a $300 fine, plus fees and court costs.

Ortiz-Carrazana admitted to motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. A related charge of fraudulent possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information, also a second-degree felony, was dismissed in his plea agreement.

The case originated when local police responded to a call from convenience store staff concerning the defendant’s prior fraudulent purchases. Upon arrival, police observed him dispensing fuel into a flatbed pickup truck and confiscated 29 counterfeit cards in his possession.

An inspection of the vehicle revealed an auxiliary fuel tank underneath the truck bed equipped with nozzles, pumps and hoses designed to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Yunior Hernandez Curbelo, 29, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain diesel fuel.

A Harris County district judge sentenced him to one day in jail and credited him with three days’ time served, applied toward fees and court costs.

Curbelo admitted to engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. As part of his plea agreement, the charged was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

Local police conducted a traffic stop and observed an auxiliary tank bladder in the bed of the defendant’s pickup truck. The tank held approximately 200 gallons of diesel fuel. The vehicle was outfitted to function as motor fuel transporter, evidence showed. Three counterfeit charge cards were confiscated from Curbelo.

Adrian Diaz, 35, of Dallas pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently acquire 100 gallons of diesel fuel.

A Dallas County district judge sentenced him to five years’ probation, fined him $2,000 and ordered him to pay court costs.

Diaz admitted to engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit or license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation found that the defendant obtained diesel fuel using counterfeit credit card information and delivered it to semi-tractor trucks located at a truck yard in Grand Prairie in July 2020.

Eric Rioja, 37, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly failing to pay motor vehicle sales taxes and defrauding the Department of Motor Vehicles.

An investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly failed to pay the county tax assessor-collector taxes totaling $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 from April to November 2019.

The suspect allegedly collected vehicle registration and titling fees on behalf of the State of Texas and pocketed the fees, valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.

Rioja is charged with failure to remit taxes collected by a motor vehicle dealer of $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 and misapplication of fiduciary property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Glaubely Vazquez Moreira, 35, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain more than 40 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100.

A Harris County district judge sentenced him to three years’ probation and 120 hours of community service and ordered him to pay fees and court costs.

Moreira admitted to fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, as well as engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit or license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

During a joint surveillance operation, investigators observed the defendant making suspicious transactions at two gas stations in North Houston, the first of which was unsuccessful. When Moreira was apprehended after the second attempt, investigators confiscated 12 counterfeit cards from the suspect’s wallet, evidence showed.

Investigators also discovered an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the defendant’s pickup truck. It was modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

Arlinton Martinez Ferras, 45, of Odessa was indicted for allegedly obtaining untaxed red-dyed diesel fuel.

Ferras is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up $10,000.

CID investigators and local law enforcement observed the defendant unlawfully acquiring and transporting the dyed diesel fuel. He dispensed the fuel into multiple containers at an undisclosed residence. During a motor fuel tax compliance stop and inspection, investigators located a 275-gallon square tote container with red-dyed diesel fuel. Further inspection found multiple fuel hoses, a fuel nozzle, a fuel pump, a stepladder and a fire extinguisher in the rear compartment of the van.

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. The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Alejandro Martinez-Hernandez, 30, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel.

During surveillance, two CID investigators allegedly observed the suspect using fraudulent counterfeit credit and debit card information to unlawfully obtain diesel fuel. During a subsequent traffic stop, they allegedly found him in possession of 27 counterfeit cards.

Martinez-Hernandez is charged with fraudulent possession or use of 10 or more but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit cards, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The Irving Police Department assisted CID in this case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Kingsley Ikechi, 32, of Irving pleaded guilty to fraudulent use or possession of more than 50 items of identifying information.

A Dallas County district judge sentenced him to six years’ probation, 320 hours of community service and a $3,000 fine, plus court costs. The offense is a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The case was part of an investigation that led to the Comptroller’s CID filing charges against the defendant.

Osley Alvarez-Morales, 33, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to illegally obtain 87 gallons of diesel fuel in August 2020.

Alvarez-Morales is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A Comptroller’s CID investigator and local police reportedly discovered the defendant unlawfully obtaining the fuel. He was also in possession of counterfeit cards, allegedly with the intent to harm or defraud. The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Ernesto Rodriguez-Martinez, 37, of Addison was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to illegally obtain approximately 150 gallons of diesel fuel.

Rodriguez-Martinez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest/shipping documents and fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A Comptroller’s CID investigator and local police found the defendant obtaining the diesel fuel. He was also in possession of counterfeit cards with the intent to harm or defraud. The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Victor Manuel Sanchez-Zamora, 28, of Irving was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards to illegally purchase more than 71 gallons of diesel fuel worth $145 at two fuel stations.

A CID investigator reported that the suspect completed two fraudulent transactions and that 11 counterfeit cards were recovered from him during a subsequent traffic stop. An investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability.

Sanchez-Zamora is charged with motor fuel tax evasion as well as transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

CID assisted the Irving Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Wilfredo Samon Mora, 52, of Port Arthur pleaded guilty to concealing motor fuel in February 2020. An Ector County judge sentenced him to three days in jail and fined him $1,000, plus fees and court costs. He was credited with three days’ time served.

Mora admitted to concealing motor fuel, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

An investigation revealed that the defendant intentionally and knowingly concealed untaxed dyed diesel fuel used on public highways without a permit to receive or store 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.

Yainel Maturell Fernandez, 31, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using a stolen charge card to unlawfully obtain more than 113 gallons of diesel fuel worth $270 from a chain convenience store in Madisonville last spring. Fernandez is charged with credit/debit card abuse of the elderly, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Surveillance video reportedly showed the defendant making two transactions on separate dates and dispensing diesel into the main fuel tank and an auxiliary tank located in the bed of a pickup truck. The case is pending prosecution in Madison County.

Mario Fernandez-Cruz, 28, of Miami Gardens, Fla. pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 89 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $224 from a Houston convenience store in December 2019.

A Harris County district judge sentenced him to five years’ probation and ordered him to pay court costs.

Fernandez-Cruz admitted to fraudulent possession of 5-10 items of credit card information, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A related charge of engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit or license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, was dismissed in the plea agreement.

Investigators conducting joint surveillance reportedly observed the defendant engaging in multiple fuel transactions before leaving the premises. They discovered an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of his pickup truck, which had been modified to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

Umid Ghulam Abbas, 26, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly possessing unstamped cigarettes at his place of his business.

Investigators found the suspect, the store’s owner and operator, in possession of fewer than 10,000 unstamped cigarettes that require affixed state tax stamps.

Abbas is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes in quantities less than 10,000, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Daciel Hang Quesada, 35, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 48 gallons of diesel fuel worth $97 from a Katy gas station this past December. Quesada is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and purchasing motor fuel with the intent to evade tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, as well as unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Local authorities reportedly observed the defendant conducting a diesel fuel transaction at a fuel pump. Investigators located a black fuel bladder filled with diesel in the truck bed. The investigation further revealed that the vehicle had been outfitted to function as a motor fuel transport, including auxiliary pumps and nozzles used to receive and dispense fuel without additional equipment. Investigators reported confiscating 25 counterfeit cards from the defendant. The case is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Asif Ali, 46, of Tyler was arrested for allegedly obtaining a coin-operated amusement license by fraud, operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license and purchasing untaxed tobacco products from an unlicensed distributor and failing to maintain the required records.

Local law enforcement contacted a CID investigator in reference to the amusement machine. During an inspection, the investigator identified “one fish table-type” coin-operated amusement machine with no tax decal that allegedly was owned by the suspect. An investigation determined that he had failed to apply for the 2021 tax year license or registration certificate.

The investigator reviewed the registration certificate application dated Aug. 17, 2020 and noticed two serial numbers. One amusement machine matched one serial number. The suspect claimed to not have had the second machine when the application was completed.

A retail tobacco inspection identified multiple boxes of tobacco products without invoices. The investigator further determined that some of the products were not purchased through a licensed distributor. Ali is charged with operating a coin-operated amusement machine without a license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both, and with obtaining a coin-operated amusement license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with possessing tobacco products with tax due and failure to maintain tax books and records, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The case is pending prosecution in Morris County.

Mario Echevarria, 49, of Carrollton was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase 100 gallons of diesel fuel worth $199 from a chain convenience store in Irving last fall.

An investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents in September 2020.

Local police stopped Echevarria for a suspected traffic violation on February 1. He reportedly provided fictitious information to them, but they confirmed his identity and discovered two active warrants. The suspect attempted to avoid detention in a stolen vehicle but eventually was arrested. During the ensuing traffic stop, officers reportedly confiscated a wallet containing 25 counterfeit cards. Echevarria is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, motor fuel tax evasion and fraudulent possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with theft of property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 and with evading arrest/detention with a vehicle, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The Irving Police Department participated in the arrest. CID and Irving PD investigated the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Erasmo Millan Roldan, 27, of Houston was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 47 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100 from a Katy fueling station.

Local police reportedly witnessed the suspect acquiring the fuel and determined that he was not carrying any permits or licenses. His pickup truck was outfitted with a large tank mounted in the bed along with pumps, hoses and nozzles. The vehicle had been modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel. Officers confiscated 22 counterfeit cards encoded with credit card information that did not belong to the suspect.

Roldan is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The Katy Police Department notified CID of the arrest and the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Eric Jones, 37, of Opelousas, La. pleaded guilty to concealing and storing red-dyed diesel fuel for use on the public highways in December 2019. A Chambers County judge ordered him to pay a $500 fine.

Jones admitted to concealing motor fuel, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

State law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop and inspected the defendant’s pickup truck. An investigator found red-dyed diesel in an auxiliary fuel tank located in the bed of the vehicle.

In Texas, non-taxable diesel fuel 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.

Deivi Porrero, 31, of Carrollton was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 52 gallons of diesel fuel worth $111 from a Dallas chain convenience store in July 2020.

Porrero is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Local police covertly observed the defendant dispensing fuel from a pump into a large red auxiliary tank in the back of his flatbed truck. The officers observed him complete the fuel transactions and obtained copies of the sales receipts.

An investigation revealed that he allegedly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Mario Echevarria, 49, of Carrollton was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase 100 gallons of diesel fuel worth $199 from a chain convenience store in Irving last fall.

Echevarria is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and fraudulent possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information. All three offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

He also is charged with theft of property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 and with evading arrest/detention with a vehicle, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He was found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle and evaded arrest in this stolen vehicle by fleeing pursuing Irving PD officers.

An investigation revealed that he allegedly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

The cases are pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Victor Manuel Sanchez-Zamora, 28, of Irving was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase more than 71 gallons of diesel fuel worth $145 at two fueling stations in October 2020.

Sanchez-Zamora is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and fraudulent possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information. All three offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A CID investigator reported that the defendant made two fraudulent transactions and that 11 counterfeit cards were recovered from him during a subsequent traffic stop. A specialized card reader confirmed that the cards used to purchase the fuel were counterfeit.

An investigation revealed that Sanchez-Zamora allegedly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability. He also is accused of transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

CID assisted the Irving Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Carlos Sablon De La Cruz, 31, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded debit/credit cards to fraudulently obtain sizable quantities of diesel fuel worth almost $400 from a convenience store in Irving last summer.

De La Cruz is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Initially, the store manager contacted CID about a suspicious purchase, whereupon an investigator alerted local police to detain the defendant at the location. He allegedly was found dispensing fuel into an auxiliary tank located in the back of his vehicle. Nine other attempts to use different cards at the pumps were declined, according to reports.

An investigation revealed that De La Cruz allegedly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and that he transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

CID assisted the Irving Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Yaser Zaka Chaudhry, 35, of Richmond was indicted for allegedly falsifying a general business license application for coin-operated amusement machines.

Chaudry is charged with tampering with a government record with intent to defraud or harm, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. An investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly tampered with a governmental record by making a false entry on the application. The location of the machines and records listed on the form was found to be a mail drop box.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Oliveros Romero Reynaldo, 32, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded gift cards to unlawfully obtain diesel fuel at a fueling station in May 2018.

A Harris County district judge sentenced him to five years’ probation and ordered him to pay court costs.

Reynaldo admitted to engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators conducting joint surveillance located a white fuel “bladder” concealed inside the defendant’s box truck. The vehicle was outfitted to function as a motor fuel transporter. It had been modified with an auxiliary pump and nozzles connected to the main supply tank so as to receive and dispense motor fuel without additional equipment.

Angel Moya, 58, of Cypress pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel from a chain supermarket last year in Katy.

A Fort Bend County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to three years’ probation; a $4,000 fine plus fees and court costs; 200 hours of community service and $200 in restitution, along with a letter of apology to the retailer.

Moya admitted to evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A store employee reportedly witnessed the defendant using counterfeit cards to obtain the fuel. Local police stopped his truck, which was found modified with a tank in the bed that included hoses and nozzles. The vehicle was outfitted to function as a motor fuel transporter.

Javiel Fernandez, 30, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards to illegally purchase 33 gallons of diesel fuel worth $80 from a chain convenience store in Mansfield.

An investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly acquired the fuel using counterfeit charge cards, failed to pay the motor fuel backup tax and transported motor fuel in his vehicle unlawfully on a public roadway. He was found to be in possession of 17 counterfeit credit/debit cards.

Fernandez is charged with fraudulent possession or use of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit/debit card information, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and motor fuel tax evasion, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his vehicle), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The Mansfield Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County. The North Richland Hills Police Department arrested the suspect for the outstanding warrants issued during this investigation.

Candyce Lee “Candy” Chazel, 62, of Odessa and her son, Brett Todd Chazel, 46, of Granbury were charged in an alleged scheme to unlawfully operate two Hood County game rooms using unregistered, unlicensed video slot machines formerly belonging to their deceased husband and stepfather, respectively.

The Chazels reportedly transported the machines, nicknamed “eight-liners,” from game rooms in Odessa and Crane to two game rooms, both named Lola’s, in Granbury and Acton, where investigators allegedly found them in use without valid tax decals.

Ms. Chazel is accused of falsifying two registration renewal applications for the machines in January, both in the name of her late husband who died last August. She faces two charges of attempting to obtain amusement machine certificates by fraud, each of which are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

She and her son also face two charges each of operating amusement machines without registration certificates or general business licenses. Each offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

Brett Chazel turned himself in to Hood County authorities on Feb. 23. Ms. Chazel was arrested on the misdemeanor charges March 26 in Odessa and served with felony warrants while still in Ector County Jail on the misdemeanor warrants.

CID assisted the Hood County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation of the cases. The misdemeanors are pending prosecution in Hood County; the felonies in Ector County.

Yunaika Romero-Marquez, 32, and Elwisbel Gomez-Delgado, 33, both of Lexington, were indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire approximately 403 gallons of diesel fuel worth $744 from two Central Texas chain convenience stores in October and November 2020. Romero-Marquez and Gomez-Delgado are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000.

Investigators reportedly observed the two defendants conducting suspicious transactions with counterfeit cards at two fueling stations in Lee and Williamson counties. They saw the pair transporting and delivering the fuel to multiple locations in Williamson County. During a subsequent search warrant execution at the suspect’s residence, investigators confiscated a total of 24 counterfeit cards, reports show.

The case is pending prosecution in Lee County.

Guillermo Leal-Machado, 51, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire 102 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $298 at a Pflugerville fueling station.

Investigators reportedly observed the suspect making four fuel transactions using a counterfeit card. The investigators and a local police officer stopped his vehicle in order to conduct a motor fuel tax inspection. One of the six counterfeit cards concealed in the vehicle was used in the purchase.

Leal-Machado is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The Pflugerville Police Department assisted CID with the traffic stop, and this case is pending prosecution is Travis County.

Armando Noguera Batista, 27, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded credit cards to illegally acquire diesel fuel from a Katy chain supermarket in January 2020.

A Fort Bend County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and sentenced him to five years’ probation; 300 hours of community service; a $1,500 fine plus fees and court costs; and $99.62 in restitution along with a letter of apology to the retailer.

Batista admitted to evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Dismissed in the plea agreement was a related charge of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

A store employee reportedly witnessed the defendant purchasing the fuel. Local police identified him and found two counterfeit cards in his possession. Evidence showed that his truck was modified to function as a motor fuel transporter, having been outfitted with a tank mounted in the bed along with a pump, hose and a metered nozzle.

Alexander Milian, 20, of Katy was indicted for allegedly falsifying records from a chain convenience store in Wharton where he was working during April and May 2020. Milian is charged with making a false entry into records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The former store employee reportedly was captured on a surveillance camera falsifying approximately 35 sales transaction records in an apparent attempt to conceal thefts and keep the cash register balanced. The transactions were confirmed by his user ID, according to reports. The case is pending prosecution in Wharton County.

Erasmo Millan Roldan, 27, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 47 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100 from a Katy fueling station this past February.

Roldan is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Local police reportedly witnessed the defendant acquiring the fuel and determined that he was not carrying any permits or licenses to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel. His pickup truck, however, had been outfitted with a large tank mounted in the bed along with pumps, hoses and nozzles.

Officers confiscated 22 counterfeit cards encoded with credit card information that did not belong to Roldan, reports show.

The Katy Police Department notified CID of the arrest and the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Antonio Miguel Alfonso, 31, of Katy pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain at least 40 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $100 from a Katy fueling station in February 2020.

A Harris County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction), sentencing him to four years’ probation and ordering him to pay fees and court costs.

Alfonso admitted to fraudulent possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of credit card information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Dismissed in the plea agreement was a related charge of transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

During a joint surveillance operation, officers observed the defendant conducting multiple transactions and dispensing fuel into an auxiliary tank concealed in the bed of his pickup truck. Investigators confiscated 32 counterfeit cards from the vehicle’s glove compartment.

Rolando Ramirez Corrada, 46, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Baytown.

Corrada is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, as well as fraudulent use of credit/debit card information, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The store’s loss prevention manager contacted CID about 13 suspicious events that had occurred over a five-month period. The defendant was reportedly identified through security camera footage and a driver’s license photo. Local police stopped him at another convenience store in Katy but released him without filing charges.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yasiel Rodriguez, 41, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to unlawfully purchase 47 gallons of diesel fuel from a Katy fueling station in October 2020. Rodriguez is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Local police observed the defendant conducting a suspicious transaction at the pump. An inspection revealed that his vehicle had been outfitted to function as a motor fuel transporter, according to reports, having been modified to receive and dispense fuel without additional equipment. A black fuel “bladder” filled with diesel fuel was located in the bed of his pickup truck, along with auxiliary pumps and nozzles.

Officers reportedly confiscated 43 counterfeit cards from the defendant.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Jimmy Leyva-Fuentes, 38, of Houston pleaded guilty to unlawfully acquiring diesel fuel from a Pasadena gas station last summer.

A Harris County district judge granted him deferred adjudication (no final conviction), sentencing him to five years’ probation and ordering him to pay $5,000 in restitution plus fees and court costs.

Leyva-Fuentes admitted to engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Texas Department of Public Safety investigators observed the defendant pumping fuel into a modified pickup truck outfitted with dispensary equipment and an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed. An inspection confirmed that the vehicle was functioning as a motor fuel transporter.

Michel Rivero La Rosa, 36, of Houston pleaded guilty to using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 41 gallons of diesel fuel worth $125 from a Katy fueling station in October 2018.

A Fort Bend County district judge sentenced him to a year on probation; 100 hours of community service; a $1,000 fine plus fees and court costs and $125 in restitution to the retailer.

As part of the plea agreement, a related charge of debit/credit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000, was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both. Dismissed in the agreement were related charges of an unauthorized, tax-free purchase of motor fuel and intent to evade motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Local police observed the defendant pumping fuel into an auxiliary tank of his pickup truck. The vehicle was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel. La Rosa admitted having 29 counterfeit charge cards.

Andrew Michael Correll, 29, of Houston was indicted for allegedly making fraudulent claims totaling more than $865,000 to the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division last June.

Correll is charged with submitting false statements to obtain property and forgery with intent to obtain property greater than $300,000. Both offenses are first-degree felonies, each punishable by five to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Employees in the division became suspicious of the numerous claims the defendant filed and notified CID. An investigation revealed that forged documents and false statements allegedly were made when submitting the claims. Several affidavits obtained from the entities involved stated that the defendant had no authority to make the claims nor access to their funds.

CID conducted the investigation, which is pending prosecution is Harris County.

Nim Tamang, 30, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly selling tobacco products without a valid permit at his place of business.

Two CID investigators conducting an amusement and tobacco inspection on Oct. 2 discovered 25 coin-operated amusement machines, 23 of which did not have the required state tax decals properly affixed. Furthermore, the storefront displayed tobacco products behind the counter. An investigation determined that the suspect did not hold a tobacco permit.

Tamang is charged with possession of tobacco without a permit, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

CID conducted the investigation, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Yariel Montalvan Fernandez, 34, of Houston and Hugo Alberto Rubio Andino, 30, of Round Rock were indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain sizable quantities of diesel fuel from a Round Rock fuel station.

Fernandez and Andino are charged with credit/debit card abuse, a state jail felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years and up to a $10,000 fine.

The defendants were observed illegally acquiring diesel fuel using stolen credit/debit card information on March 3. Andino allegedly obtained approximately 41 gallons of diesel fuel; Fernandez, approximately 28 gallons. Both defendants admitted to purchasing the fuel using their own debit cards, but Department of Public Safety (DPS) agents observed them using the fraudulent cards.

CID assisted DPS with the investigation of the cases, which are pending prosecution in Williamson County.

Muhammad Adnan, 31, of Stafford and Raheel Mehboob, 37, of Spring were arrested for allegedly operating amusement machines in Gun Barrel City without a license.

Local police contacted a CID investigator in reference to the amusement machines. The investigator conducted a compliance inspection by meeting with Mehboob, one of the business owners. He identified four “Spin Jack 21” and five “8-liner,” coin-operated amusement machines. Eight of the machines were operational, and one was not in service. Seven machines did not display current state tax decals, reports show.

The investigation revealed that the suspects owned the five 8-liners at the location without having a general business license or registration certificate.

Adnan and Mehboob are charged with operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The Gun Barrel City Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Henderson County.

Jeffrey Jason Hogue, 63, of Missouri City was indicted for alleged tobacco tax stamp and reporting offenses at his place of business in Stafford.

Hogue is charged with multiple counts of books and records violations, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

During an on-site inspection, investigators determined that the defendant had failed to report large purchases of untaxed cigarettes since March 2019 and did not affix the required state tax stamps to numerous packs of cigarettes purchased.

The case is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Stephen Asiku Gule, 38, of Houston was indicted for allegedly mailing 10 false and forged claim forms over a two-month period to the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division seeking to claim property totaling more than $370,000.

Gule is charged with submitting false statements to obtain property and forgery with intent to obtain property greater than $300,000. Both offenses are first-degree felonies, each punishable by five to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Seven of the claims were for property belonging to a variety of entities. In the other three claims, the defendant purported to be the chief financial officer or a corporate officer of several national and international corporations. According to witness statements, he was not a corporate officer of one entity and had no legal right to the funds, nor did he hold any such positions with the other entities.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service assisted CID with the investigation. The Harris County Constable’s Office participated in the defendant’s arrest with a CID team.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Lazaro Suarez Copinger, 28, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to fraudulently obtain diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Baytown. Copinger is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Security video allegedly showed the defendant using “cloned” credit cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel on eight separate occasions between February and April of this year. He used a pickup truck with an auxiliary tank in the bed and a flatbed truck with large saddle tanks, according to reports.

The Cleveland and Houston police departments assisted CID with the arrest and in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Luis Mario Vela Reyes, 33, of Cleveland, Texas, was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded gift card to illegally acquire over 19 gallons of diesel fuel worth $50 last January. Reyes is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A DPS special agent reportedly observed the defendant conducting a suspicious diesel fuel transaction at the pump. During a subsequent inspection of his pickup truck, the agent reportedly located a silver fuel bladder filled with diesel fuel and a “cloned” gift card allegedly used in the purchase. An inspection revealed that the vehicle was outfitted with auxiliary pumps and nozzles designed to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

CID assisted DPS with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Montgomery County.

Onnis Alvarez Rubio, 48, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 231 gallons of diesel fuel.

Rubio is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He also is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit or license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation found that the suspect obtained motor fuel using counterfeit credit card information.

The Azle and Grand Prairie police departments assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Franklin Leyva De La (aka Franklin LeyvaDeLa), 36, of Fort Worth was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 99 gallons of diesel fuel.

De La is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents and fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information, all second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation found that the suspect obtained motor fuel using counterfeit credit card information.

The Irving Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Ruben Alejandro Moreno Muriel, 35, of Farmers Branch was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 107 gallons of diesel fuel.

Muriel is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He also is charged with credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation found that the suspect obtained motor fuel from a gas station using counterfeit credit card information.

The Dallas Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Adrian Diaz, 34, and Eddy Xavier Burgos-Torres, 25, both of Dallas, were indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently purchase 100 gallons of diesel fuel.

Diaz and Burgos-Torres are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000; and engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit or license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Burgos-Torres also is charged with fraudulent use or possession of more than 10 but fewer than 50 items of identifying information, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation found that the two suspects obtained diesel fuel using counterfeit credit card information and delivered it to semi-tractor trucks located at a truck yard in Grand Prairie.

The Grand Prairie Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Alexeis Victor Salva-Matos, 35, of Irving was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards to fraudulently obtain more than 107 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $199.

An investigation revealed that the suspect intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade motor fuel tax by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest. The suspect was also in possession of 20 counterfeit cards used in acquiring the fuel.

Salva-Matos is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The Irving Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Ekombe Numbe Saleh, 30, of Abilene was indicted for allegedly failing to enter information or making a false entry related to sales and use tax returns.

Saleh is charged with failure to make entry or false entry on tax records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that the defendant made false entries related to his 2018 first, second and third quarter sales and use tax returns.

The case is pending prosecution in Taylor County.

Rolando Ortiz-Utrera, 33, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to illegally purchase 116 gallons of diesel fuel worth $302 from a Pearland chain convenience store in 2019.

Ortiz-Utrera is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and 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. He was arrested on the charges under a sealed indictment.

Local police apprehended the defendant while pumping diesel fuel into a concealed auxiliary fuel tank. Store employees observed him using multiple credit cards at the pump to complete the transactions. An inspection revealed that the pickup was modified to receive, dispense and transport large quantities of fuel. The defendant allegedly possessed two counterfeit gift cards containing credit card information.

The Pearland Police Department assisted CID with the arrest and joint investigation, which is pending prosecution in Brazoria County.

Alfredo Miranda Muniz, 50, of Katy was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain 47 gallons of diesel fuel worth $95.

Muniz is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A local detective allegedly witnessed the defendant using counterfeit credit cards to purchase the diesel fuel. His truck reportedly was outfitted with a large tank mounted in the bed and fitted with hoses and nozzles. The truck qualified as a motor fuel transport vehicle, according to investigators.

The Katy Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Addam Smith, 42, of Crandell was arrested for allegedly operating coin-operated machines without a license or certificate.

Two investigators responded to a location and assisted Comptroller enforcement officers with an inspection of a clandestine game room. Upon arrival, one of the investigators observed 24 “8-liner” coin-operated machines located in the back portion of the building. The suspect confirmed that he owned the machines, which did not have affixed state tax decals, and did not have a state license.

Smith is charged with operating coin-operated machines without a license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

The Caddo Mills Police Department assisted CID with the arrest, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Luis Mario Vela Reyes, 33, of Cleveland pleaded guilty to fraudulent use/possession of identifying information.

A Polk County district judge sentenced him to 350 days of incarceration and ordered him to pay reimbursement fees and court costs. The offense is a felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000. As part of his plea bargain, charges of motor fuel tax evasion, transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest and unlawful use of a criminal instrument were dismissed.

A Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agent reportedly observed the defendant conducting a suspicious diesel fuel transaction. During a subsequent inspection of Reyes’ pickup truck, the agent located a silver fuel bladder filled with diesel fuel and a counterfeit gift card allegedly used in the transaction. Evidence showed the vehicle was outfitted with auxiliary pumps and nozzles designed to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

CID assisted DPS CID with this motor fuel tax fraud investigation.

Adiel Jesus Vasquez-Medina, 25, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally obtain large quantities of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Katy.

Vasquez-Medina is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The defendant allegedly was observed at a gas station using counterfeit credit cards. He was unable to produce invoices verifying the legal fuel purchase and taxes paid, according to reports.

The Katy Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Luis Henry Leon-Fernandez, 30, of Irving was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards to fraudulently obtain more than 49 gallons of diesel fuel worth $99.

An investigation determined that the suspect intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest. A total of 35 counterfeit cards were recovered from a concealed location inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Leon-Fernandez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The Irving Police Department assisted CID with the arrest, and the agencies conducted a joint investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Pedro Serrano-Echevarria, 41, of Addison pleaded guilty to motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents.

A Cooke County district judge sentenced him to five years’ probation and ordered him to pay reimbursement fees and court costs. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The defendant allegedly was using counterfeit credit cards to pump diesel fuel into an external fuel cell in the bed of his pickup truck. Local police contacted an investigator in reference to multiple fuel thefts that occurred in the city. The defendant was stopped and later identified as the suspect involved in making the illegal fuel purchases.

Carlos Sanchez Ramirez, 26, and James Purcell Huffman, 61, both of Muleshoe, were indicted for allegedly failing to pay the backup tax on approximately 82 gallons of dyed diesel fuel.

Ramirez and Huffman are charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed that dyed diesel fuel had been dispensed into the main fuel supply tanks of the defendants’ pickup and livestock feed trucks, which were operating on a public highway using untaxed motor 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.

The case is pending prosecution in Lamb County.

Osmel Galban Columbie, 46, of Arlington was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain more than 76 gallons of diesel fuel worth $147 from a chain gas station in Euless.

An investigation revealed that the suspect intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest. A total of eight counterfeit cards reportedly were recovered from the suspect during a subsequent traffic stop.

Columbie is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office conducted the arrest, and the Euless Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Andrew Michael Correll, 29, of Houston was indicted for allegedly making fraudulent claims totaling more than $865,000 to the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division last June.

Correll is charged with submitting false statements to obtain property and forgery with intent to obtain property greater than $300,000. Both offenses are first-degree felonies, each punishable by five to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Employees in the division became suspicious of the numerous claims the defendant filed and notified CID. An investigation revealed that forged documents and false statements allegedly were made when submitting the claims. Several affidavits obtained from the entities involved stated that the defendant had no authority to make the claims nor access to their funds.

CID conducted the investigation, which is pending prosecution is Harris County.

Nim Tamang, 30, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly selling tobacco products without a valid permit at his place of business.

Two CID investigators conducting an amusement and tobacco inspection on Oct. 2 discovered 25 coin-operated amusement machines, 23 of which did not have the required state tax decals properly affixed. Furthermore, the storefront displayed tobacco products behind the counter. An investigation determined that the suspect did not hold a tobacco permit.

Tamang is charged with possession of tobacco without a permit, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

CID conducted the investigation, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Yariel Montalvan Fernandez, 34, of Houston and Hugo Alberto Rubio Andino, 30, of Round Rock were indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain sizable quantities of diesel fuel from a Round Rock fuel station.

Fernandez and Andino are charged with credit/debit card abuse, a state jail felony punishable by confinement for six months up to two years and up to a $10,000 fine.

The defendants were observed illegally acquiring diesel fuel using stolen credit/debit card information on March 3. Andino allegedly obtained approximately 41 gallons of diesel fuel; Fernandez, approximately 28 gallons. Both defendants admitted to purchasing the fuel using their own debit cards, but Department of Public Safety (DPS) agents observed them using the fraudulent cards.

CID assisted DPS with the investigation of the cases, which are pending prosecution in Williamson County.

Muhammad Adnan, 31, of Stafford and Raheel Mehboob, 37, of Spring were arrested for allegedly operating amusement machines in Gun Barrel City without a license.

Local police contacted a CID investigator in reference to the amusement machines. The investigator conducted a compliance inspection by meeting with Mehboob, one of the business owners. He identified four “Spin Jack 21” and five “8-liner,” coin-operated amusement machines. Eight of the machines were operational, and one was not in service. Seven machines did not display current state tax decals, reports show.

The investigation revealed that the suspects owned the five 8-liners at the location without having a general business license or registration certificate.

Adnan and Mehboob are charged with operating coin-operated amusement machines without a license, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

The Gun Barrel City Police Department assisted CID with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Henderson County.

Jeffrey Jason Hogue, 63, of Missouri City was indicted for alleged tobacco tax stamp and reporting offenses at his place of business in Stafford.

Hogue is charged with multiple counts of books and records violations, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

During an on-site inspection, investigators determined that the defendant had failed to report large purchases of untaxed cigarettes since March 2019 and did not affix the required state tax stamps to numerous packs of cigarettes purchased.

The case is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Stephen Asiku Gule, 38, of Houston was indicted for allegedly mailing 10 false and forged claim forms over a two-month period to the Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property Division seeking to claim property totaling more than $370,000.

Gule is charged with submitting false statements to obtain property and forgery with intent to obtain property greater than $300,000. Both offenses are first-degree felonies, each punishable by five to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Seven of the claims were for property belonging to a variety of entities. In the other three claims, the defendant purported to be the chief financial officer or a corporate officer of several national and international corporations. According to witness statements, he was not a corporate officer of one entity and had no legal right to the funds, nor did he hold any such positions with the other entities.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service assisted CID with the investigation. The Harris County Constable’s Office participated in the defendant’s arrest with a CID team.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Lazaro Suarez Copinger, 28, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to fraudulently obtain diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Baytown. Copinger is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Security video allegedly showed the defendant using “cloned” credit cards to illegally purchase diesel fuel on eight separate occasions between February and April of this year. He used a pickup truck with an auxiliary tank in the bed and a flatbed truck with large saddle tanks, according to reports.

The Cleveland and Houston police departments assisted CID with the arrest and in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Luis Mario Vela Reyes, 33, of Cleveland, Texas, was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded gift card to illegally acquire over 19 gallons of diesel fuel worth $50 last January. Reyes is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A DPS special agent reportedly observed the defendant conducting a suspicious diesel fuel transaction at the pump. During a subsequent inspection of his pickup truck, the agent reportedly located a silver fuel bladder filled with diesel fuel and a “cloned” gift card allegedly used in the purchase. An inspection revealed that the vehicle was outfitted with auxiliary pumps and nozzles designed to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

CID assisted DPS with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Montgomery County.

Luis Henry Leon-Fernandez, 30, of Irving pleaded guilty to motor fuel tax evasion.

A Dallas County district judge sentenced him to three years’ probation, fined him $3,000 and ordered him to pay court costs. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. A related charge of transporting motor fuel without shipping documents was dismissed in the plea agreement.

An investigation determined that the defendant intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest. A total of 35 counterfeit cards were recovered from a concealed location inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Luis Marrero-Blanco, 45, of Katy was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 103 gallons of diesel fuel worth $196 from a chain convenience store in August 2020.

Marrero-Blanco is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with 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.

Local police apprehended the defendant after observing him making numerous transactions of diesel fuel deposited into an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of his pickup truck. An inspection revealed that the truck was equipped as a fuel transport vehicle. The defendant allegedly possessed 25 counterfeit credit cards.

The Katy Police Department assisted CID with the arrest and joint investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Lazaro Mendez Calderon, 30, of Dallas was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded card to fraudulently obtain 86 gallons of diesel fuel worth $146 from a chain convenience store in Ennis.

Calderon is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The defendant attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, according to the indictment.

Local police made contact with Calderon and arrested him. An investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly used counterfeit cards to purchase diesel fuel multiple times at the same location without being caught.

CID assisted the Ennis Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Victor Gomez-Madrigal, 27, of San Antonio pleaded guilty to fraudulent use or possession of fewer than five items of identifying information and credit or debit card abuse.

A Bexar County district judge sentenced him to 278 days imprisonment and ordered him to pay court costs. Both offenses are state jail felonies punishable by confinement for six months to two years and up to a $10,000 fine. A related charge of motor fuel tax evasion was dismissed in a plea deal.

An investigation determined that the defendant intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability.

Lizzeth Rodriguez, 36, of Corinth was arrested for allegedly failing to collect sales tax and pay taxes for her business, which included work conducted at a residential property located in Irving.

A property manager notified CID that the suspect was conducting unauthorized work on a property he manages. The manager explained that Rodriguez charged sales tax with invoices for residential services. An investigation revealed that the business does not exist and is not permitted to collect sales taxes./p>

Rodriguez is charged with failure to pay taxes collected, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both./p>

The case is pending prosecution is Dallas County.

Dorian Jimenez-Espinoza, 32, of Houston pleaded guilty to misapplication of fiduciary property valued at $30,000-$150,000.

A Harris County district judge sentenced Jimenez-Espinoza to six years’ probation, to perform 100 hours of community service and to pay $28,000 in restitution, plus court costs. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. As part of his plea bargain, related charges of tampering with a government record and money laundering were dismissed.

Jimenez-Espinoza allegedly under-reported sales prices for the first five months of 2019, failing to remit more than $33,000 in motor vehicle sales taxes collected on transactions. He claimed to have used the funds to pay employee commissions, according to reports.

An audit found that records also had been tampered with between 2016 and 2019 in order to conceal sales prices, evidently to avoid making substantial tax payments.

Kory Brown Didear, 21, of Boling pleaded guilty to theft of property valued at $750-$2,500 at a retail business where he was working.

A Wharton County judge sentenced him to two years’ probation and to perform 80 hours of community service, and ordered him to pay a $500 fine and more than $1,985 in restitution, plus court costs and fees. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both. The charge of false entry into records was dismissed.

The defendant, a former store employee, reportedly was recorded by a surveillance camera falsifying sales transaction records to keep cash registers balanced during a series of thefts in November and December 2018.

Anand Kumar Gupta, 45, of Irving was arrested for allegedly failing to report or provide records on his coin-operated amusement machines.

Two investigators conducted an amusement machine inspection at a convenience store. Upon arrival, an investigator found that one of five machines bore a re-used state tax decal removed from another machine. The store owner identified Gupta as the owner of the amusement machines, according to reports. The investigator contacted the suspect and advised him to provide records on his amusement machines to a local field office within 10 days.

Gupta is charged with failure to report or provide information on coin-operated amusement machines, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Raj Kumar Tamang, 36, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly failing to report or provide records on his coin-operated amusement machines.

Two investigators conducted an amusement machine inspection at a tobacco business. During the inspection, an investigator discovered that 23 of 25 machines did not have the required affixed state tax decal. The suspect was identified as the holder and owner of the machines. The owner of the business possessed the decals and stated he would affix them to the machines. The investigator advised him to provide records in 10 days on his machines.

Tamang is charged with failure to report or provide information on coin-operated amusement machines, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Froilan Mujica Garcia, 31, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to unlawfully obtain 45 gallons of diesel fuel worth $93 from a convenience store in Salado.

An investigator observed the suspect dispensing diesel fuel into the flatbed portion of a one-ton pickup truck. During a subsequent traffic stop conducted by local police and CID, an inspection revealed an approximately 150-gallon tank in the back seat of the truck’s cab, concealed as a covered bench seat. The suspect did not have receipts for the transaction but provided his debit card as evidence. A total of 24 counterfeit cards were recovered after the suspect consented to a vehicle search.

Garcia is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The Salado Police Department assisted CID with the traffic stop. The case is pending prosecution in Bell County.

Gregory Alcantar, 41, of Cedar Park and Nathan Alan Arn, 41, David Cardona, 50, and Melody Kathryn Leard, 41, all of Corpus Christi, were indicted for allegedly manipulating vehicle trade-in data to avoid paying sales taxes.

Alcantar, Arn, Cardona and Leard are charged with falsifying and/or forging vehicle registrations and engaging in organized criminal activity, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. They have also been indicted for failure to remit tax by dealer for over $1,500 but less than $20,000, a state jail felony punishable by confinement for six months to two years and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID received a complaint from the Nueces County Tax Assessor’s Office against a local auto dealership. A joint investigation with state and federal agencies revealed that multiple financial managers at the Corpus Christi business coordinated a scheme to misrepresent sold vehicles with false trade-in data in an attempt to procure credit and avoid paying motor vehicle sales taxes from January to March 2018.

The Nueces and Williamson County sheriff’s offices assisted CID with the arrests in the case, which is pending prosecution in Nueces County.

Yunaika Romero Marquez, 32, and Elwisbel Gomez Delgado, 33, both of Lexington were arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire approximately 403 gallons of diesel worth $744 from a couple of chain convenience stores.

An investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly attempted to evade motor fuel tax by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents.

Marquez and Delgado are charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Lee County Sheriff’s deputies and constables assisted CID with the arrests, which is pending prosecution in Lee County.

Haitham Jaber Youssef, 42, of Arlington was arrested for allegedly possessing unstamped cigarettes at his convenience store.

An undercover investigator reported purchasing individual cigarettes from a store clerk. Two investigators re-entered the store, identified themselves as officers there to perform a retail cigarette and tobacco inspection, and advised the clerk of the sale to an undercover officer. The clerk, identified as the manager, stated that the suspect was the owner of the business. An inspection found that one of eight open packs behind the counter did not have a Texas cigarette tax stamp.

Youssef is charged with possessing fewer than 10,000 unstamped cigarettes, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Todd Joel Martin, 29, of Magnolia pleaded guilty to an enhanced charge for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 for stealing dyed diesel fuel from local farmers and ranchers.

A Brazos County district judge sentenced Martin to five years in prison and ordered him to pay $400 in restitution, plus court costs. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle, which had been connected to other thefts of dyed diesel fuel from several nearby farms and ranches. The defendant initially denied any involvement but later reportedly admitted that his truck contained dyed diesel in the primary fuel tank. He claimed to have acquired the vehicle from an unknown person.

Statements obtained from witnesses/victims in prior fuel thefts identified the defendant as the person they observed stealing dyed diesel from various farm and ranch fuel supply tanks. Most victims could not provide exact quantities, but at least four separate incidents were reported by members of the community.

CID assisted the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

Osiel Caballero de la Cantera, 36, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain approximately 109 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $243 from a store in Katy.

De la Cantera is charged with motor fuels tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On May 13, a Katy Police Department detective witnessed the defendant dispensing fuel into a modified tank mounted in a truck bed along with a pump, hose, nozzle and meter. Another officer captured de le Cantera after a foot pursuit. He used a different card for each purchase; however, no cards were in his possession at the time of arrest.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Waller County.

Yoel Mora, 37, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using encoded charge cards to illegally purchase 97 gallons of diesel fuel worth $258 and 21 gallons of premium gasoline worth $60.

Mora is charged with transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In a sting operation organized by the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division and Houston Police Department, officers witnessed Mora pumping fuel into a black tank mounted in a truck bed. The officers followed the suspect and conducted a traffic stop for the illegal fuel purchase. An interview was attempted to determine if Mora possessed a license to transport motor fuel or shipping documents for the fuel purchases.

The defendant had three encoded credit cards in his possession. Houston Police obtained and provided the re-printed receipt of the transactions.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Andy Nunez-Leon, 35, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using charge cards for unlawfully acquiring 37 gallons of diesel fuel in the amount of $99.

Nunez-Leon is charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

An investigation revealed that he knowingly and intentionally delivered diesel fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank and acted as a motor fuel transporter without a required license. A Katy Policy detective found 22 re-encoded credit/debit cards in the defendant’s possession.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Roberto Carlos Rodriguez Gonzalez, 27, of Irving was indicted for transporting approximately 109 gallons of illegally appropriated diesel fuel.

For failing to pay backup taxes, Gonzalez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion as well as transporting motor fuel without shipping documents. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The defendant allegedly used re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire diesel fuel from multiple locations throughout Dallas and Tarrant counties in May.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Arcides Soca-Abad, 43, of Katy was indicted for allegedly using stolen credit card numbers from an electronic Fuze consolidation card to obtain 25 gallons of diesel fuel totaling $67 dollars.

Soca-Abad is charged with attempting to evade fuel tax, which is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with fraudulent use or possession of less than five items of identifying information, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

In a cooperative surveillance that included the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division, Katy Police Department and Harris County Constable Precinct Five, officers observed the defendant dispensing fuel into an auxiliary fuel tank in a truck bed. Law enforcement officers followed Soca-Abad on foot to a local department store. Officers noticed that he shoplifted items valued at less than $100.

Katy Police conducted a traffic stop. During the vehicle search, a Fuze card in Soca-Abad’s possession showed the same credit card number used to purchase the diesel fuel. Four additional credit card numbers were found on the device.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Shanequeia Chante Hayward, 27, of Houston pleaded guilty to forging a state government check and received deferred adjudication (no final conviction).

A Harris County district judge sentenced her to two years’ probation and ordered her to pay $500 in restitution, plus reimbursement fees and court costs. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The defendant was indicted for altering a treasury warrant issued to her in the amount of $500 and tried to cash the forged warrant at a local grocery store.

Glaubely Vazquez Moreira, 34, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain more than 40 gallons of diesel fuel worth $100.

Moreira is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with fraudulent use/possession of more than 10 but less than 50 credit/debit cards, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

During a joint surveillance operation, investigators observed the suspect making suspicious transactions at two gas stations, the first of which was unsuccessful. Upon apprehension after the second attempt, a search reportedly yielded 12 “cloned” cards in the suspect’s wallet.

Investigators discovered an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the suspect’s pickup truck. It had been modified to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel.

CID assisted the Houston Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Hung Nguyen, 29, of Garland was arrested for operating amusement machines in a Fort Worth game room without a license or certificate.

A CID investigator conducted an inspection of the game room and identified 21 “8-liner” electronic slot machines operating without proper authorization. Two machines had plastic tape covering the state tax decals, invalidating them. Nineteen other machines displayed no state tax decals.

A database search revealed that the owner of the decals was arrested for allegedly trafficking illegal decals for coin-operated amusement machines. The investigator also discovered the defendant and another owner of the machines were illegally owning, displaying and operating coin-operated amusement machines without a general business license or registration certificate. Nguyen is charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both. The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Larry Allen, 41, of Linden pleaded guilty to engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license.

A district judge in Harrison County sentenced him to three years’ probation and 150 hours of community service, and he was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $3,000 in restitution, plus court costs. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Allen and two other suspects were accused of unlawfully acquiring and delivering thousands of gallons of diesel fuel from a fuel distributorship for which they worked.

Yurkiel Gonzalez-Hernandez, 37, of Houston pleaded guilty to engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license or permit. He received three years of deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and was ordered to pay $150 in restitution by a Harris County district judge. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Store personnel at a convenience store chain witnessed the defendant making illegal fuel purchases. Baytown Police Department was contacted and conducted a traffic stop of Gonzalez-Hernandez’s service/utility vehicle. The fuel tank was located in the truck bed and concealed by building materials. One of the compartments was modified and outfitted with a fuel nozzle, which lead to the concealed fuel tank.

Chad Lee Puga, 35, of Big Spring previously pleaded guilty to a Class A misdemeanor for concealing motor fuel.

He was sentenced to serve one year in the county jail suspended to 24 months’ probation. The offense is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $4,000 or both.

In June 2019, a motion to revoke probation was filed in Howard County Court based on Puga violating the terms of probation. He was arrested and sentenced to time served.

An execution of a search warrant revealed untaxed stolen diesel fuel in a 55-gallon drum barrel and other stolen property recovered at his place of business.

Ali Ayad Sattar, 31, of Burleson pleaded guilty to tampering with a governmental record with the intent to harm or defraud. A district judge in Tarrant County sentenced him to 24 months’ probation and 120 hours of community service. The offense is a state jail felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months to two years and up to a $10,000 fine.

In a plea agreement, the charge was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

The defendant was allegedly advising individuals buying cars from his used car dealership to provide an out-of-state address to avoid paying sales tax. He also entered a false out-of-state address on three motor vehicle title certificates.

Yusniel Gonzalez-Rodriguez, 37, of Lexington, Neb. pleaded guilty with intent to tamper with/fabricate physical evidence.

A Fort Bend County district judge sentenced him to five years’ probation, 300 hours of community service, a $3,000 fine and more than $100 in restitution, plus court costs. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In a plea agreement, Gonzalez-Rodriguez admitted to the felony offenses of credit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and up to a $10,000 fine, and tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The court issued two identical sentences to run concurrently. Gonzalez-Rodriguez also must write a letter of apology and testify truthfully against his co-defendant.

Charges of motor fuel tax evasion and the purchase of motor fuel with the intent to evade a tax were dismissed in conjunction with the plea deal.

In May 2019, a store employee reportedly observed Gonzalez-Rodriguez and another man using “cloned” credit cards to obtain diesel fuel and contacted Katy Police.

After Katy Police stopped the pickup truck occupied by Gonzalez-Rodriguez and the other man, officers discovered a modified tank mounted in the truck bed. The vehicle also was equipped with hoses and nozzles to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel, according to reports.

Lazaro Mendez Calderon, 30, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded card to fraudulently obtain 86 gallons of diesel fuel worth $146 from an Ennis chain convenience store.

Local police made contact with Calderon and arrested him. An investigation revealed that he intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability. Reports explain the suspect used “cloned” cards to purchase diesel fuel multiple times at the same location without being caught.

Calderon is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Ennis Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Yunesky Contreras-Veitia, 38, of Mesquite was arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to fraudulently purchase more than 88 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $150 from a chain convenience store in Ennis.

Local police arrested Contreras-Veitia soon after he left the premises. An investigation revealed that he intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

The suspect is believed to have used “cloned” cards to purchase diesel fuel at the same location four previous times without being caught, according to investigators.

Contreras-Veitia is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Ennis Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Ernesto Rodriguez-Martinez, 36, of Addison was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards to fraudulently obtain approximately 149 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $300 from an Irving convenience store.

Local police arrested the suspect shortly after he departed the premises. An investigation revealed that he intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

On Aug. 20, a local police detective contacted a CID investigator about testing confiscated cards using a specialized card reader. The investigator confirmed that all 27 cards in the suspect’s possession were “cloned” and used to purchase fuel.

Rodriguez-Martinez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Irving Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Leodanis Ebanks Aragon, 38, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using stolen credit/debit card numbers loaded onto an electronic Fuze consolidation card to obtain 74 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $149 from a Pearland convenience store in May.

Aragon is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a permit, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A store manager reportedly witnessed the suspect using a re-encoded charge card to purchase the fuel. Local police responded and made contact with him.

Investigators found that the suspect’s truck had been outfitted with a modified tank in the bed, along with a pump, hose and a metered nozzle. A Fuze card in the suspect’s possession contained 27 credit/debit card numbers, only one of which was issued to him, reports show.

CID assisted the Pearland Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Brazoria County.

Maikel Fonseca Corzo, 31, of Round Rock was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded credit/debit card information to illegally acquire 49 gallons of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Austin.

A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed a 160-gallon auxiliary tank in the truck bed outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, fuel nozzle and digital fuel meter. The suspect reportedly admitted that he did not have permits or shipping documents related to the fuel.

Officers also located nine “cloned” cards in his possession. A store receipt showed that one of the cards used in the purchase was a gift card. The suspect claimed to have utilized one of his two debit cards.

Corzo is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Abdiel Martinez-Viamonte, 24, of Houston pleaded guilty to motor fuel tax evasion and received deferred adjudication (no final conviction). He was sentenced by a Harris County district judge to five years’ probation and 120 hours of community service, plus court costs and fees. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

On June 19, an officer discovered a large auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of the defendant’s pickup truck at a Katy gas station. It had been modified with hoses and nozzles for storing, transporting and dispensing fuel. The suspect did not possess any permits or licenses for the items, according to reports.

Manuel Batista-Torres, 35, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using stolen credit card numbers stored on an electronic Fuze consolidation card to unlawfully obtain more than 138 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $281 on June 23.

Batista-Torres is charged with evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, fraudulent use and/or possession of 10-50 items of identifying information and unlawfully purchasing fuel tax free. All three offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents reportedly observed the defendant making five separate transactions at three different gas stations. He allegedly used two different credit card numbers in the transactions. The Fuze card was loaded with 45 stolen credit and debit card numbers, reports show.

The defendant allegedly pumped diesel fuel into an auxiliary tank of a utility truck. It also contained a fuel pump, hose and nozzle concealed inside a compartment mounted on the passenger side of the truck bed.

CPA CID assisted DPS CID in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Osley Alvarez-Morales, 33, of Hialeah, Fl. was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently obtain fuel.

The Comptroller’s CID investigators conducted a surveillance operation and observed the suspect dispensing fuel from a pump into an auxiliary tank in the truck bed. Upon further investigation, the vehicle was determined to be outfitted to function as a motor fuel transporter. Further investigation also revealed that Alvarez-Morales was in possession of 23 re-encoded gift cards, one of which was used to purchase the fuel.

Alvarez-Morales is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Todd Joel Martin, 27, of Magnolia was arrested on a recently filed indictment for illegally acquiring red-dyed diesel fuel from several locations in Brazos County.

Martin is charged with theft against an elderly individual of property valued at less than $2,500, further enhanced by a previous felony conviction. This charge is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle, which had been connected to other thefts of dyed diesel fuel from several nearby farms and ranches. The defendant initially denied any involvement but later reportedly admitted that his truck contained dyed diesel in the primary fuel tank. He claimed to have acquired the vehicle from an unknown person.

Statements obtained from witnesses/victims in prior fuel thefts identified the defendant as the person they observed stealing dyed diesel from various farm and ranch fuel supply tanks. Most victims could not provide exact quantities, but at least four separate incidents were reported by members of the community.

CID assisted the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Brazos County.

Carlos Sablon De La Cruz, 30, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded debit/credit cards to fraudulently obtain sizable quantities of diesel fuel worth almost $400 from a convenience store in Irving.

An investigation revealed that the suspect intentionally and knowingly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

The store manager contacted CID about the suspicious purchase. The investigator alerted local police to detain the suspect at the location. He allegedly was found dispensing fuel into an auxiliary tank located in the back of his vehicle. Nine other attempts to use different cards at the pumps were declined, according to reports.

De La Cruz is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Irving Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Jimmy Leyva-Fuentes, 37, and Diosavany Anaya Fajardo, 41, both of Houston, were arrested for allegedly obtaining 123 gallons of diesel fuel worth $259 from a Pasadena gas station.

DPS special agents observed the suspects parking at diesel pumps on the far end of the station. Fuel from multiple pumps was dispensed into their modified pickup trucks; each truck bed was equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks and dispensary equipment.

After their arrest and detention, a CID investigator inspected the vehicles at the scene and confirmed that the trucks had been modified to function as fuel transport vehicles.

Leyva-Fuentes and Fajardo are charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CPA CID assisted DPS CID in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Kenneth Harris, 60, of Allen was indicted for allegedly using false information to apply for a coin-operated amusement machine general business license.

Harris is charged with attempting to obtain a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In late October 2019, he entered the Dallas Comptroller’s Enforcement Office and allegedly submitted an application containing a fraudulent Social Security number. The enforcement officer who processed the application identified an account associated with the defendant that had outstanding civil penalties. When questioned about the discrepancies, the defendant allegedly insisted that his identity had been stolen and used to open the penalized account.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Eddy Burgos Torres, 24, and Adrian Diaz, 34, both of Dallas, were arrested for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently purchase sizable quantities of diesel fuel for use in 18-wheeler trucks.

An investigation revealed that the pair allegedly engaged in a fuel transaction without a permit and intentionally and knowingly attempted to transport motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

Local police responded to a report that two trucks were involved in suspicious activity at a semi-tractor trailer parking yard in Grand Prairie. Officers observed trucks matching the description leaving the site, reports show.

Both suspects were stopped for traffic violations and arrested for failure to identify themselves and giving false/fictitious information. Both trucks had auxiliary fuel tanks in the beds, and officers seized multiple gift cards and debit cards.

A CID investigator tested the confiscated cards using a specialized card reader and confirmed that every one of them had been “cloned.”

Torres and Diaz, who were served arrest warrants in Dallas County Jail while in custody on the misdemeanor failure to identify to a peace officer charges, are charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. They are also charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a permit, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Grand Prairie Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Deivi Porrero, 29, of Carrollton was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain 52 gallons of diesel fuel worth $111 from a Dallas chain convenience store.

An investigation revealed that he intentionally and knowingly evaded or attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

Local police officers covertly observed the suspect dispensing fuel from a pump into a large red auxiliary tank in the back of his flatbed truck. The officers confiscated 13 charge cards from the suspect and obtained copies of the fuel transaction receipts.

A CID investigator who tested the cards using a specialized card reader confirmed they had been “cloned” and were used to purchase the fuel.

Porrero is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Dallas Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Ruben Alejandro Moreno Muriel, 35, of Farmers Branch was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded cards to fraudulently obtain 107 gallons of diesel fuel worth $220 from a chain convenience store in Dallas.

An investigation revealed that he intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability, and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

The suspect allegedly drove from the store to a semi-tractor trailer parking yard. Local police observed him monitoring the nozzle as he was pumping fuel from an auxiliary tank concealed in his vehicle into three separate trucks’ supply tanks. Officers confiscated six charge cards in his possession.

A CID investigator who tested the cards using a specialized card reader confirmed that three of them had been “cloned” and used to purchase the fuel.

Muriel is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Dallas Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Earnest Virgil Long, 59, of Santa Fe, Texas, was arrested for allegedly forging a government check for unclaimed property funds.

Long’s ex-wife reported that she suspected Long may have forged her signature to a check from her portion of unclaimed property funds. The Unclaimed Property Division informed the complainant that the check in the amount of $910.31 was sent out and cashed.

After obtaining bank security camera footage and bank account records, investigators determined that the signature on the check was forged.

Long is charged with tampering with a government record, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID investigated the case and obtained the felony arrest warrant, which was served the next day by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office. The case is pending prosecution in Galveston County.

Maiker Gonzalez Ramirez, 41, of Farmers Branch was arrested for allegedly using cloned cards to fraudulently purchase more than 124 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $250 from a chain convenience store in Irving.

Local police conducted a traffic stop after Ramirez left the premises. An investigation revealed that he intentionally and knowingly attempted to evade a tax imposed on motor fuel by failing to pay the backup diesel tax liability and transported motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents.

Local police contacted a CID investigator about scanning the confiscated cards using a specialized card reader. The investigator confirmed that all 51 cloned cards in the suspect’s possession were re-encoded numbers and four were used to purchase fuel. An additional 50 cloned cards were found hidden in his truck after the vehicle was impounded.

Ramirez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. CID assisted the Irving Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Ahmad W. Mousa, 33, of Grand Prairie was indicted Sept. 30 for not paying taxes on tobacco products and failing to deliver a return on tobacco purchases.

Mousa is charged with a books and records violation and with possession of tobacco products on which tax is due. Both offenses are third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

During an inspection of Mousa’s business, a CID investigator discovered that the defendant had an invoice showing tobacco purchases from an unpermitted distributor/wholesaler and unpaid tax for the tobacco products listed.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Jimmy Leyva-Fuentes, 37, and Diosavany Anaya Fajardo, 41, both of Houston, were indicted Aug. 14 for allegedly obtaining 123 gallons of diesel fuel worth $259 from a Pasadena gas station. They are charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents observed the suspects parking at diesel pumps on the far end of the station. Fuel from multiple pumps was dispensed into their modified pickup trucks; each truck bed was equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks and dispensary equipment.

After their arrest and detention, a CID investigator inspected the vehicles at the scene and confirmed that the trucks had been modified to function as fuel transport vehicles.

CID assisted DPS CID in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Jorge Luis Barreto Cisneros, 27, and Osvaldo Martinez Hernandez, 53, both of Midland, were arrested for allegedly obtaining large amounts of diesel fuel fraudulently from a remote West Texas gas cardlock location in Midland.

The suspects were observed appropriating diesel fuel into large auxiliary fuel tanks in the beds of their trucks. CID contacted Midland County sheriff’s deputies, and they conducted traffic stops as the vehicles were leaving the premises. The two suspects were detained until CID investigators arrived and conducted a motor fuel tax compliance inspection.

During the subsequent search, a remote-control device was found in the center console of one of the trucks. Investigators believe that the diesel fuel was unlawfully dispensed by using the remote to place the pumps into maintenance mode, thus allowing the pumps to free-flow the diesel fuel without any transaction details.

Cisneros and Hernandez each are charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Hernandez also is charged with unlawful interception, use or disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communications, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID conducted the investigation, which is pending prosecution in Midland County.

Kenny Wayne Holcombe, 34, of Gonzales pleaded guilty to having eight gallons of red-dyed diesel fuel in his vehicle without authorization.

A Howard County judge sentenced him to two years’ probation, fined him $3,000 and ordered him to perform 80 hours of community service. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

During a compliance inspection at a drilling site near Big Spring, investigators discovered contraband in the main supply tank of the suspect’s pickup truck. Holcombe was charged with concealing motor 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.

Yoandry Pereira Tamayo, 38, of Cleveland, Texas, was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded credit card to unlawfully obtain 38 gallons of diesel fuel worth $95 from a Porter gas station.

Tamayo is charged with transporting motor fuel without proper documentation, a second-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigator reportedly observed the defendant allegedly pumping diesel into an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of a pickup truck. The tank was discovered, along with a “cloned” card, during a subsequent traffic stop.

CID assisted DPS in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Montgomery County.

Reginald Hunter, 18, of Fort Worth was arrested for possessing an illegal substance. Two CID investigators received information from a source that a store was selling tobacco products to minors. While conducting surveillance, one investigator approached a male exiting the store who appeared to be under the age of 21.

He asked the suspect for his age and driver’s license or other identification. The suspect stated that he was 18 but he did not have a license or ID. Hunter was found to be wanted on multiple warrants and arrested. A vehicle impound inventory revealed two bags of marijuana.

Hunter is charged with possession of marijuana greater than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years. He also was cited for purchasing tobacco products by a person under 21, a Class C misdemeanor.

Carlos Osmar Leyva-Tito, 27, of Irving was arrested for fraudulently using re-encoded charge cards to obtain 51 gallons of diesel fuel worth $95 from a Euless gas station.

After the suspect left the premises, local police conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle. Reports show they confiscated 15 cards in his possession.

A local police investigator contacted a CID investigator about scanning the cards using a specialized card reader. Further investigation showed that 14 of the 15 cards had been “cloned.”

For failing to pay the backup tax liability, Leyva-Tito is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, as well as transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Euless Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Antonio Perea Quintero, 43, of Houston and Michel Perez Mendez, 37, of Spring were indicted for illegally obtaining large quantities of diesel fuel worth over $7,700 from a northwest Houston gas station.

Quintero and Mendez are charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Houston Police responded to the theft in progress by making contact with the suspects, who were unlawfully acquiring diesel fuel into two vehicles with concealed auxiliary fuel tanks equipped with hoses and nozzles for receiving/transporting/dispensing diesel fuel.

The investigation also revealed that Quintero and Mendez were able to access and compromise the fuel pump system wirelessly to freely dispense diesel fuel at multiple points throughout several nights. CID assisted the Houston Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Roberto Lisabet, 32, of Austin pleaded guilty to motor fuel tax evasion and received deferred adjudication (no final conviction).

A Travis County district judge sentenced him to two years’ probation and ordered him to pay $320 in court costs. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A related second-degree felony charge of transporting motor fuel without shipping documents was dismissed in the plea deal.

In April 2019, two CID investigators conducted surveillance of a motorist believed to be purchasing diesel fuel with re-encoded credit/debit cards at an Austin chain convenience store.

Lisabet was later identified as the suspect dispensing fuel into a truck. During the transaction, he was observed activating some type of switch near the vehicle’s filler neck. The investigators conducted a motor fuel tax compliance stop and inspection. They confiscated 10 “cloned” credit cards and found a large auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the truck bed equipped with a pump and hose designed to off-load fuel.

Antonio Alfonso-Miguel, 31, of Katy was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain at least 40 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $100 from two Katy retail businesses this past winter.

Alfonso-Miguel is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest and fraudulent use/possession of more than 10 but less than 50 credit/debit cards. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Officers previously had observed the defendant at multiple locations obtaining undetermined amounts of diesel fuel and offloading it into commercial trucks in a vacant lot before driving to the final location.

During a joint surveillance operation, investigators spotted the defendant leaving a fuel yard in a pickup truck bearing an auxiliary fuel tank. Reports show that he made several suspicious fuel transactions at a gas station and discount chain store fueling station before offloading diesel into commercial trucks in a vacant lot.

After the last transaction, a subsequent traffic stop by local police yielded 32 “cloned” cards. CID assisted the Katy Police Department, DPS CID and the Harris County Constable’s Office in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yamil Hernandez-Valdes, 32, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to fraudulently obtain large quantities of diesel fuel from a Houston gas station in February 2020. Hernandez-Valdes is charged with fraudulent use/possession of more than 10 but less than 50 credit/debit cards, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

While conducting surveillance, officers reported observing the defendant pumping diesel fuel into his pickup truck, then driving away. During an ensuing traffic stop, investigators discovered two auxiliary fuel tanks partially concealed in the truck bed.

They also confiscated a digital information storage card that contained 27 “cloned” credit and debit card numbers not belonging to the suspect, according to reports; the defendant denied owning the card.

CID assisted the Houston Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Luis Mario Vela Reyes, 33, of Cleveland, Texas, was indicted for using a stolen debit/credit card number to illegally acquire approximately 71 gallons of diesel fuel worth $199 in January 2020.

Reyes is charged with transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest and motor fuel tax evasion, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. He also is charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A DPS special agent observed the defendant conducting a suspicious diesel fuel transaction at the pump. During a subsequent inspection of his pickup truck, the agent located a silver fuel bladder filled with diesel fuel and multiple re-encoded gift cards in the truck bed. The investigation further revealed that the vehicle was outfitted with auxiliary pumps and nozzles for receiving, transporting and dispensing fuel.

CID assisted DPS in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Polk County.

Guillermo Juan Aguilar-Garces, 39, of Katy was indicted on June 22 for unlawfully obtaining approximately 71 gallons of diesel fuel worth $176 in February 2020.

Aguilar-Garces is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

An investigation revealed that the defendant knowingly and intentionally delivered diesel fuel into an auxiliary tank of a pickup truck to act as a motor fuel transporter. A Katy police officer reportedly found 10 debit/credit cards in the defendant’s possession.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Javier E. Hernandez-Martinez, 36, of Houston was indicted on June 22 for unlawfully obtaining approximately 13 gallons of diesel fuel worth $33 in Katy.

Hernandez-Martinez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and with unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

An investigation revealed that the defendant knowingly and intentionally delivered diesel fuel into an internal fuel tank of a box truck to act as a motor fuel transporter. A Katy police officer reportedly found 10 debit/credit cards in the defendant’s possession.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Yacek Exposito, 38, of Corpus Christi was indicted for allegedly using a company fleet card at a Monahans convenience store to unlawfully obtain and sell almost 450 gallons of motor fuel tax free in April 2018.

Exposito is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Investigators and company officials identified six suspicious transactions over two days involving a card issued to the defendant to fuel the company van he drove transporting oil field service employees to and from jobsites. A witness also claims to have seen him pumping fuel directly into the tanks of semi-tractor-trailer trucks not belonging to his employer. The case is pending prosecution in Ward County.

Fnu Ahmed-Dhanani, 38, of Euless was indicted last fall for allegedly falsifying a renewal application for an amusement machine license.

In late November 2018, he reportedly submitted an application with two incorrect addresses for his places of business and recordkeeping; one was a convenience store, the other a barber shop under construction, both in a strip mall in southwest Fort Worth. The defendant also allegedly used a variation of his name, but not his full legal name, on the application. Amusement machine operators in Texas must either be licensed to operate machines statewide or certified to do so at specific locations.

Ahmed-Dhanani is charged with attempting to obtain a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Arquimedes Cardoso Naranjo, 37, of Houston was indicted March 6 for allegedly using a re-encoded charge card to fraudulently obtain more than 37 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $100 from a Hempstead meat market last fall.

For failing to pay backup tax, Naranjo is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, along with transporting motor fuel without a shipping document, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In addition, local authorities have charged him with credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years.

On Nov. 25, the owner reportedly observed a suspicious transaction at one of the store’s fuel pumps and contacted local authorities. They confiscated several “cloned” cards including the gift card allegedly used when the defendant pumped fuel directly into a “saddle tank” on his box truck.

Investigators discovered that the tank was connected to a fuel “bladder” in the cargo area. The truck had been further modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of fuel, reports show.

CID assisted the Waller County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Waller County.

Guillermo Enamorado, 50, and Alain Garcia-Cabrales, 29, both of Houston, pleaded guilty in a Brazoria County district court to using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain large quantities of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in Pearland a year ago. They each received 11 months in state jail, with more than 100 days’ jail time credited, and were ordered to pay court costs.

Each defendant admitted to credit/debit card abuse and fraudulent use/possession of identifying information, both felonies punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years. Related charges of motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000, were dismissed in their plea agreements.

On May 21, 2019, the store manager noticed a suspicious transaction at a pump involving a vehicle that had been there earlier. She notified Pearland police who arrested the defendants near the scene. They reportedly had pumped almost 160 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $400 into their two vehicles. Officers confiscated 21 charge cards including a Disney Mickey Mouse gift card re-encoded with stolen credit/debit card numbers.

Officers discovered 100-gallon steel auxiliary tanks in the compartment of a box van driven by one of the suspects and in the bed of a pickup truck driven by the other suspect. Both vehicles had been modified with pumps and hoses to receive, transport and dispense motor fuel, according to reports, and bore temporary tags.

Ernesto Jesus Rodriguez-Izaguirre, 28, of Austin was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain 90 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $240 from a chain convenience store in Temple last summer.

On June 4, 2019, a store manager alerted local police that a customer suspected of previously having made fraudulent purchases was there making multiple transactions with different cards. Officers arrested him at the scene, recovering 12 “cloned” cards from a wallet found inside the van he was driving.

They also discovered a toggle switch inside the fuel door of the van which, according to reports, contained an auxiliary fuel tank, hose, meter and nozzle in the rear.

Rodriguez-Izaguirre is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. He was served with an arrest warrant in Bell County Jail, where he was already being held on local charges.

CID assisted the Temple Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Bell County.

On March 10, Rodriguez-Izaguirre pleaded guilty in a Travis County district court to motor fuel tax evasion and credit/debit card abuse. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and eight and five years’ probation, to be served concurrently, in lieu of six-year and two-year prison sentences, respectively. He also was fined $2,000 plus court costs and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Credit/debit card abuse is a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years.

The defendant admitted using a re-encoded credit card to unlawfully obtain more than 74 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $200 from a Pflugerville convenience store in March 2018.

Eunelio Blancos, 39, of Houston was indicted Feb. 18 for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to unlawfully obtain approximately 107 gallons of diesel fuel from a Houston convenience store late last year.

Blancos is charged with engaging in a motor fuel transaction without a license. Local authorities also have charged him with fraudulently using/possessing counterfeit credit cards. Both offenses are third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

On Dec. 6, 2019, local police reportedly observed the defendant conducting multiple transactions and confiscated nine “cloned” charge cards in his possession. Officers also discovered an auxiliary fuel tank concealed in the bed of his pickup truck. Reports show that it had been modified to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

CID assisted the Houston Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Brandon James Gressett, 33, of Seminole pleaded guilty in a Gaines County district court in January to motor fuel tax evasion, receiving deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and four years’ probation. He also was ordered to pay $484 in restitution plus court costs.

The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Gressett admitted unlawfully obtaining approximately 216 gallons of dyed diesel fuel from his employer, a local construction machine rental service, and offloading it into a storage tank at a residence.

In Texas, non-taxable diesel fuel is dyed red and authorized almost exclusively for off-road, agricultural use by permit-holders.

Orlando Ramirez Sanchez, 30, of Houston pleaded guilty in a Harris County district court in December to collaborating with others to make re-encoded charge cards, receiving deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and five years’ probation. He was fined $5,000 plus court costs.

Sanchez admitted engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for five to 99 years or life and a fine of up to $10,000. Related felony charges of credit card abuse and engaging in a fuel transaction without a license were dismissed in the plea agreement.

State troopers arrested Sanchez in October 2018 in Houston upon observing him make eight diesel fuel transactions using multiple credit cards. They confiscated 18 “cloned” cards and discovered an auxiliary tank in his pickup truck modified for receiving, transporting and dispensing motor fuel.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Sanchez and other individuals were involved in manufacturing phony cards containing other cardholders’ account information.

CID assisted the Department of Public Safety in the investigation of the case.

Quang Buu Merideth, 53, of Grand Prairie pleaded no contest in a Tarrant County criminal court last fall to repairing coin-operated amusement machines without a license in Arlington in 2017.

Under a plea agreement, Merideth received deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and 12 months’ probation. Court costs were assessed but no fine or community service. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both. The former owner of YGI Amusement Machines admitted that he did not have the required state license to repair coin-operated machines and should not have been doing so in July 2017.

Ector County sheriff’s deputies arrested Merideth in February 2019 after stopping him for a traffic violation. At the time, three other misdemeanor warrants issued by CID were pending against him in Tarrant, Dallas and Wood counties.

Tariq Sabah Khalifa, 38, of Watauga pleaded guilty to operating six “8-liner” video games without a license or registration certificate at his Fort Worth convenience store last spring.

Khalifa received deferred adjudication (no final conviction) and nine months’ probation from a Tarrant County criminal court judge. He was assessed court costs but no fine or community service. A tobacco tax charge for possessing less than 10,000 unstamped cigarettes was dismissed in his plea agreement.

Both offenses are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

The video games, similar to slot machines, were not bearing state-issued decals when they were discovered during a complaint-based inspection on April 6, 2019. Investigators also found 91 unstamped cigarette sticks behind the clerk’s counter.

Mohammad Salman, 56, of Highland Village was indicted last winter for purchasing untaxed tobacco products from an unlicensed distributor and failing to maintain required records.

Salman is charged with two counts of possession of tobacco on which more than $50 in taxes were due and one count of a books and records violation. Each offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Based on an inspection of the defendant’s Southlake tobacco shop, Smoker’s Dream, on Dec. 20, 2019, investigators claim that the defendant bought tobacco products from an unlicensed distributor on at least five occasions between Aug. 7 and Nov. 13, 2018. He allegedly failed to provide valid, proper invoices in response to a records demand.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Mohammad Tahir Khan, 60, of Waco pleaded guilty in January to tobacco tax evasion and a related recordkeeping violation, receiving deferred adjudication (no final conviction), six years’ probation and fines totaling $1,500, plus court costs.

He admitted to both counts of his indictment: possessing tobacco products on which taxes were due of more than $50 and a books and records violation for not producing invoices for the transactions. Each offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

A McLennan County district judge fined him $750 per count and ordered his two probated sentences be served concurrently. Six other related charges were considered for sentencing purposes.

In the fall of 2017, the owner of Bellmead Tobacco Store bought almost $20,000 worth of tobacco from a Pennsylvania distributor for resale without paying more than $12,000 in Texas tobacco taxes. A Pennsylvania state tax investigator alerted CID to the illicit purchases.

Eligo Benavides, 39, of Alamo was indicted this past winter for using re-encoded charge cards to fraudulently obtain about 42 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $107 at a chain convenience store in Katy.

For failing to pay the backup tax, Benavides is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. He also is charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., his pickup truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

On Jan. 16, the truck was found to contain the unlawfully acquired diesel. The vehicle had been modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel, reports show, and the defendant allegedly did not have the required cargo manifest.

The case is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Dorian Jimenez-Espinoza, 32, a Houston auto dealer, was indicted May 29 for allegedly withholding more than $33,000 in taxes from the state.

The defendant, who manages Jimenez Motor Cars, is charged with money laundering and misapplication of fiduciary property. Each offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with tampering with a government record, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Jimenez-Espinoza allegedly underreported sales prices for the first five months of 2019, failing to remit more than $33,000 in motor vehicle sales taxes collected on transactions. He claimed to have used the funds to pay employee commissions, according to reports.

An audit found that records also had been tampered with between 2016 and 2019 in order to conceal sales prices, evidently to avoid making substantial tax payments.

A customer complaint prompted the investigation that led to the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Joel Issac Sotelo, 34, of Odessa pleaded guilty May 22 to motor fuel tax evasion and received deferred adjudication (no final conviction).

A district judge in Midland County sentenced him to four years’ probation, 150 hours of community service and a $1,500 fine, plus court costs. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Sotelo admitted unlawfully appropriating 75 gallons of untaxed dyed diesel fuel last summer in Midland.

The fuel reportedly had been obtained from a rig site and dispensed into both “saddle” supply tanks of the defendant’s semi-truck combo. Sotelo, owner of Optimus Trucking Co., was operating the vehicle on a public highway when a state trooper stopped him for an alleged traffic violation on Aug. 15, 2019.

In Texas, non-taxable diesel fuel 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.

Pedro Ruiz Crespo, 47; Cruz Plasencia, 46; and Jorge Felix Lopez, 34, all of Houston, were indicted for allegedly participating in a scheme to unlawfully obtain and sell diesel fuel without paying state taxes.

Crespo and Plasencia are charged with transporting motor fuel without cargo manifests or shipping documents, and Lopez is charged with accepting delivery of motor fuel without receiving a shipping document. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by imprisonment for two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On Jan. 8, local police reportedly observed Crespo and Plasencia driving pickup trucks into a trucking yard. They allegedly dispensed diesel from tanks hidden in the truck beds into two large “bladder” containers – one on a truck trailer, the other on the ground – belonging to Lopez, a semi-tractor truck driver who allegedly was buying the fuel from Crespo and Plasencia.

CID assisted the Houston Police Department in the investigation of the cases, which are pending prosecution in Harris County.

Yainel Maturell Fernandez, 30, of Houston was arrested for allegedly using a stolen charge card to unlawfully obtain more than 113 gallons of diesel fuel worth $270 from a chain convenience store in Madisonville this past spring.

Surveillance video reportedly showed the suspect making two transactions on separate dates and dispensing diesel into the main fuel tank and an auxiliary tank in the bed of a pickup truck.

Fernandez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, and with credit/debit card abuse of the elderly, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The case is pending prosecution in Madison County.

Manuel Terrazas, Jr., 39, of Denver City pleaded guilty to motor fuel tax evasion and received deferred adjudication (no final conviction).

A Yoakum County district judge sentenced him to eight years’ probation and more than $10,000 in restitution, plus reimbursement fees and court costs. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Terrazas previously was granted pre-trial diversion, but the agreement was revoked when he failed to complete the terms.

The defendant admitted illegally appropriating almost 3,350 gallons of diesel fuel, valued at more than $11,400, from his previous employer. While driving a tanker truck for an energy services company, he delivered less than the ordered quantities of fuel to customers and sold the difference. The practice, known as “short loading,” circumvented payment of required backup taxes.

Nelson Conde-Rodriguez, 34, of Houston was indicted in April for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to unlawfully obtain more than 50 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $128 from a chain convenience store in Katy last January.

Conde-Rodriguez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest or shipping documents. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Local authorities also have charged him with felony credit card abuse.

On Jan. 20, store personnel reportedly witnessed the driver of a pickup truck making suspicious diesel fuel purchases and contacted local police. They confiscated six credit cards during a subsequent traffic stop.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Pablo Luis Narvaez Alvarez, 67, of San Benito; Florencio Andrade Hernandez, 48, and Marco Antonio Nunez Martinez, 40, both of Brownsville; and Jose Cipriano Guerrero Sanchez, 45, a Mexican national, were indicted for allegedly participating in a scheme to buy and use untaxed gasoline diverted to a Brownsville trucking company site last summer and fall.

Hernandez and Martinez each are charged with motor fuel tax evasion for failing to pay the required backup taxes. Martinez and Alvarez are charged with transporting motor fuel without proper shipping documents. Alvarez also is charged with accepting motor fuel delivered without a shipping document, and Sanchez is charged with distributing motor fuel on which taxes were unpaid.

All the offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In addition, Sanchez is charged with motor fuel transportation using a false manifest, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

All of the defendants except Hernandez were indicted on multiple felony counts.

On five occasions in August, September and October of 2019, Sanchez allegedly off-loaded thousands of gallons of gas from trucks belonging to a Mexican cargo firm into drums at a freight yard owned by Martinez and Hernandez’ employer, instead of delivering them to the purchaser in Mexico. Known as “short loading,” the practice circumvents state law exempting exported gasoline from tax.

Martinez and Alvarez allegedly drove vehicles containing bulk loads of the untaxed gas on public roadways. Hernandez is accused of buying six drums containing approximately 90 gallons of gas from Alvarez for $25 apiece. Martinez allegedly bought one drum from Alvarez, who was acquiring the gas from Sanchez.

Sanchez was arrested in mid-December at a border crossing in Pharr. The other co-defendants were arrested in mid- and late-January at various locations in Cameron County.

CPA CID assisted the Department of Public Safety CID in the investigation of the cases, which are pending prosecution in Cameron County.

Luis Mario Vela Reyes, 33, of Cleveland was arrested for unlawfully acquiring more than 70 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $200 from a Livingston convenience store earlier this year.

A state investigator reportedly witnessed the suspect making two allegedly fraudulent transactions on Jan. 23 using a re-encoded charge card. He twice pumped fuel directly into an auxiliary tank concealed in the bed of his pickup truck, according to reports.

A state trooper detained the suspect during an ensuing traffic stop, but the “cloned” card was not found.

Reyes was subsequently arrested at a Cleveland gas station. Records show he was under investigation for a similar offense in Montgomery County last fall.

Reyes is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine; unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., the truck), a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine; and possession of fewer than five items of identifying information, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years.

CID assisted the Department of Public Safety in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Polk County.

Rodolfo Banuelos-Holguin, 33, of Odessa was indicted late last year for allegedly using red dyed diesel fuel in his vehicle unlawfully.

The defendant is accused of motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

In mid-August, a state trooper discovered that the semi-truck tractor the suspect was driving in Midland contained approximately 100 gallons of dyed diesel. He claimed to have bought it from someone who approached him. Banuelos-Holguin was arrested in March.

In Texas, non-taxable diesel fuel is dyed red and authorized almost exclusively for off-road and/or agricultural uses by permit-holders.

CID assisted the Department of Public Safety in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Midland County.

Stephen Asiku Gule, 38, of Houston was arrested for allegedly mailing 10 false and forged forms to the Unclaimed Property Division totaling more than $370,000 over a two-month period.

The first seven claims were for property belonging to a variety of entities. In the other three claims, the suspect purported to be the chief financial officer or a corporate officer of several national and international corporations. According to witness statements, Gule was not a corporate officer of one entity and had no legal right to the claims, nor did he hold any such positions with the other entities.

Gule is charged with submitting false statements to obtain property and forgery with intent to obtain property greater than $300,000. Both offenses are first-degree felonies, each punishable by five to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The U.S Postal Inspection Service assisted CID with this investigation and the Harris County Constable’s Office participated with the CID arrest team during the execution of the arrest warrants. This case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Manuel Batista-Torres, 34, of Houston was arrested for allegedly using stolen credit card numbers from an electronic Fuze consolidation card to unlawfully obtain more than 138 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $281.

Department of Public Safety CID special agents reportedly observed the suspect making five separate transactions at three different gas stations. He allegedly used two different credit card numbers in the transactions. The Fuze card was loaded with 45 stolen credit and debit card numbers, reports show.

He allegedly pumped diesel fuel into an auxiliary tank of a utility truck with a fuel pump, hose and nozzle concealed inside a compartment mounted on the passenger side of the truck bed.

Batista-Torres is charged with attempting to evade fuel tax and fraudulent use and/or possession of 10-50 items of identifying information. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Department of Public Safety CID in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Tommy Dean Turner, 57, of Dallas was arrested for allegedly possessing 24,000 cigarettes on which no taxes were paid.

An investigation of a semi-tractor trailer theft last spring revealed that the suspect had keys to a lock on a rental truck containing two cases of stolen, 1,200 packs of unstamped cigarettes. He reportedly acknowledged that he had driven the truck to the location where it was inspected, reports show, and had given away four cases of cigarettes.

Turner is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes in quantities of 10,000 or more. The offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Cigarettes sold in Texas must bear state-issued stamps indicating payment of tax.

CID assisted the Balch Springs Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Yaniel Maturell Fernandez, 31, of Houston was arrested for allegedly using fraudulent charge cards to unlawfully obtain more than 72 gallons of diesel fuel worth $150 from a chain convenience store in Waller.

Surveillance video footage showed the suspect pumping diesel fuel into the main fuel tank, as well as auxiliary tanks in the bed of a vehicle. Other investigative means linked the suspect to the dispensing of the fuel.

Fernandez is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without a cargo manifest, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Waller County.

Ernesto Jesus Izaguirre-Rodriguez, 28, of Austin was indicted for allegedly using a re-encoded credit card to fraudulently obtain approximately 90 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $240 from a store in Temple.

Rodriguez is charged with motor fuels tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He was previously arrested and charged with the same offense in Travis County.

The illegally acquired diesel fuel was delivered into a large auxiliary fuel tank in the back of a panel van. It had been modified with an auxiliary tank to store fuel, along with a long hose, fuel nozzle and digital fuel meter to deliver fuel to another vehicle or container.

CID assisted the Temple Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Bell County.

Rodolfo Giniebra-Santos, 24, and Alberto Almira-Santos, 35, of Pflugerville were arrested for allegedly using a re-encoded card containing stolen account information to fraudulently obtain sizable quantities of diesel fuel from a chain convenience store in New Braunfels.

On June 14, the suspects were observed illegally acquiring diesel fuel. The store manager recognized both men from previous diesel fuel purchases at the same location on seven different occasions from May 15 through June 12, as verified by store receipts and surveillance video.

During an inventory of the suspects’ pickup truck, officers confiscated 127 “cloned” cards. An inspection revealed an approximate 280-gallon fuel tank in the truck bed. The truck was outfitted with a pump, fuel hose, fuel nozzle and digital fuel meter to deliver fuel to another vehicle. A toggle switch used to direct the fuel from the supply tank to the auxiliary tank was discovered inside the truck cab.

The two suspects are charged with motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument (i.e., the truck) a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the New Braunfels Police Department with the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Comal County.

Kenneth Harris, 60, of Allen was arrested for allegedly presenting an application for a coin-operated amusement machine general business license using a fraudulent Social Security number.

In late October 2019, he entered the Dallas Enforcement Office and allegedly submitted an application with a fraudulent Social Security number. The enforcement officer who processed the application identified an account associated with him that had outstanding civil penalties. When questioned about the discrepancies, the suspect insisted that his identity had been stolen and used to open the account with the penalties.

Harris is charged with attempting to obtain a license by fraud, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Eduardo Torres, 46, of Hidalgo was arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards with stolen information to fraudulently obtain sizable quantities of diesel fuel from an Edinburg convenience store.

The Department of Public Safety CID obtained receipts and surveillance video of the suspect dispensing fuel into an L-shaped auxiliary tank located in the bed of his pickup truck. During a traffic stop, a state trooper recovered eight “cloned” cards from the suspect. The suspect admitted that he did not have shipping documents for the diesel fuel nor a permit from the Comptroller’s Office to transport it, according to investigators.

Torres is charged with motor fuel tax evasion and transporting motor fuel without shipping documents, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID collaborated with the Department of Public Safety and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Secret Service and Border Patrol in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Hidalgo County.

Onnis Alvarez Rubio, 48, of Dallas and Robert Carlos Rodriguez Gonzalez, 27, of Irving were arrested for allegedly using re-encoded charge cards to illegally acquire diesel fuel from multiple locations throughout Dallas and Tarrant counties in early May.

The suspects allegedly structured a scheme to steal bankcard information by placing skimming devices inside fuel pumps. Using that information, they allegedly “cloned” bankcards used to obtain goods, diesel fuel and services and withdraw money from the owners’ accounts.

Investigators reportedly confiscated 20 skimmer devices from fuel pumps and more than 150 cloned cards from the suspects. The cards have been linked to the acquisition of 705 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $1,500, reports show.

For failing to pay backup taxes, Rubio and Gonzalez are charged with motor fuel tax evasion as well as transporting motor fuel without shipping documents. Both offenses are second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Rubio is also charged with engaging in fuel transactions without a permit, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

CID assisted the Azle Police Department and the Parker County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Dallas and Tarrant counties.

Armando Noguera Batista, 26, of Houston was arrested on warrants for recently filed indictments for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to illegally acquire diesel fuel from a chain supermarket in Katy last January.

Batista was indicted in March for motor fuel tax evasion, a second-degree felony punishable by up two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with fraudulent use or possession of less than five items of identifying information, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On Jan. 24, a store employee observed a suspicious fuel transaction and contacted local police. During a subsequent traffic stop, the defendant was found to be in possession of two “cloned” cards. In addition, his pickup truck was outfitted with a modified tank mounted in the bed, along with a pump, hose and a metered nozzle, which qualified it as a motor fuel transport vehicle.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Fort Bend County.

Ryan Scott McGary, 31, of Odessa was indicted for using a company-issued fuel card to illegally obtain approximately 75 gallons of diesel fuel worth more than $225 at a chain convenience store in Andrews last fall.

McGary is charged with credit/debit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On Nov. 18, 2019, the defendant allegedly was approached by a former employee to assist in the illegal acquisition of diesel fuel in Ector and Andrews counties. The former employee remains under investigation for unlawfully acquiring more than 222 gallons of diesel worth more than $500.

CID assisted the FBI’s Permian Basin Oilfield Task Force in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Andrews County.

Jorge Hernandez-Guerra, 32, of Houston was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded gift cards to fraudulently obtain almost 167 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $434 in Houston last winter.

Guerra is accused of engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also has been charged with credit card abuse, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On Jan. 29, local police reportedly observed the defendant pumping diesel fuel into an auxiliary tank of his modified pickup truck. The hidden tank spanned the entire depth of the truck bed and was designed to receive, transport and dispense fuel.

The defendant allegedly made five unauthorized transactions. Investigators confiscated a “cloned” gift card from him after he allegedly attempted to dispose of multiple cards prior to being searched.

CID assisted the Houston Police Department’s Highway Interdiction and Financial Crimes Proactive units in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Alayn Perez-Ramos, 28, of Miami, Fla. was indicted for allegedly using re-encoded credit cards to unlawfully purchase approximately 35 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $99 from a Katy gas station last fall.

Ramos is charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a license, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. He also is charged with fraudulent possession of less than five items of identifying information, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On Nov. 12, local police reportedly observed the suspect dispensing fuel into the auxiliary tank of a pickup truck equipped with nozzles, pumps and hoses concealed in the truck bed. An inspection of the vehicle determined it had been modified to operate as a motor fuel transport vehicle.

During a subsequent search, the defendant and a passenger were found to be in possession of “cloned” credit cards.

CID assisted the Katy Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Chery Morin-Alarcon, 41, of Hialeah, Fla. was indicted on June 4 for allegedly using a re-encoded credit card to unlawfully obtain more than 188 gallons of diesel fuel worth almost $847 from a chain convenience store in Baytown last winter.

Alarcon is charged with engaging in a fuel transaction without a permit and credit card abuse against an elderly person, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Records show that the defendant has two similar felony cases pending in Harris and Fort Bend counties.

On Feb. 26, local police responded to a complaint about suspicious transactions under way by a familiar customer implicated in previous unauthorized purchases. The suspect was detained and found to be in possession of a “cloned” card used in the transaction.

Investigators discovered that his pickup truck had been modified with an auxiliary tank concealed in the truck bed and designed to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel.

CID assisted the Baytown Police Department in the investigation of the case, which is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Tam Duc Tran, 43, of Fort Worth was arrested for allegedly trafficking in illegal decals for coin-operated amusement machines at his Fort Worth game room last spring.

Acting on a city Code Enforcement complaint, a CID investigator inspecting Y&G Gift Shop in March identified 21 “8-liner” electronic slot machines operating without proper authorization. Two of them had plastic tape covering the state decals which invalidated the tax decals; the 19 other machines displayed no state tax decals.

Evidence showed that the machines’ owner had signed and filed false decal applications in August 2019 despite presenting them as true and genuine.

Tran is charged for tampering with a governmental record with the intent to defraud or harm, a felony punishable by confinement in a state jail for six months up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Charles Ray Marcus, 38, of Arlington was arrested for operating amusement machines in a Fort Worth game room without a license or certificate and giving false identifying information to a peace officer who had him lawfully detained.

Last February, at the request of city police and Code Enforcement, CID inspected Captain Jack’s game room. The investigator discovered that the manager was using another name to conceal his identity as a fugitive with multiple outstanding regional warrants and a felony fraud warrant, all of which were issued in 2019.

The investigator also determined that neither the game room’s owner nor the suspect, who owned four of the machines, had a general business license or registration certificate to operate or display amusement machines.

Marcus is charged with operating without a coin-operated amusement machine license or registration certificate and failure to identify himself to a peace officer as a fugitive from justice. Both offenses are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up of $4,000 or both. The accompanying arrest warrants were served on the suspect in Tarrant County Jail.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.