Case News

Muhammad Qadir Ghaffar, 31, of Richardson, was indicted for alleged possession of tobacco products with tax due and a books and records violation, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed tobacco products with tax due of approximately $660 and failed to keep records for the tobacco products sold at his business for four years as required.

The case is pending prosecution in Van Zandt County.

Orlando Gonzalez-Marcella, 40, of Garland, was indicted for allegedly providing false information and failing to enter records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect intentionally and knowingly engaged in sales and use tax transactions from his business and failed to enter in records several quarters of his 2025 sales tax reports as required.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Liodan Rodriguez, 41, of Miami, Fla., was indicted for allegedly evading or attempting to evade motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed red-dyed diesel fuel in saddle tanks of his vehicle, with the intent to evade any tax imposed. 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 Reagan County.

Mohamed Batliwala, 47, of Frisco, was arrested for possessing prohibited e-cigarette products, a Class A misdemeanor.

An investigation revealed the suspect had over 100 prohibited e-cigarette products for sale that contained images of numerous food, fruits or candies.

The case is pending prosecution in Johson County.

Anjum Batliwala, 49, of Frisco, was arrested for possessing prohibited e-cigarette products, a Class A misdemeanor.

An investigation revealed the suspect had over 100 prohibited e-cigarette products for sale that contained images of numerous food, fruits or candies.

The case is pending prosecution in Johson County.

Kamran Shahabuddin Lakhani, 41, of Frisco, was arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and trademark counterfeiting for an amount between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with two other suspects, possessed nearly 9,000 cans of suspected counterfeit ZYN nicotine products valued over $32,000 at their business. The seizure contained about 50 different flavors of illicit suspected counterfeit ZYN, which is a product of Phillip Morris International and is federally trademarked within the US Patent and Trademark Office. The suspects could not provide invoices for all of the seized products.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Mohamed Zaid Hanif Patka, 44, of Farmers Branch, was arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and trademark counterfeiting for an amount between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with two other suspects, possessed nearly 9,000 cans of suspected counterfeit ZYN nicotine products valued over $32,000 at their business. The seizure contained about 50 different flavors of illicit suspected counterfeit ZYN, which is a product of Phillip Morris International and is federally trademarked within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The suspects could not provide invoices for all of the seized products.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Salman Bande Ali, 44, of Carrollton, was arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and trademark counterfeiting for an amount between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with two other suspects, possessed nearly 9,000 cans of suspected counterfeit ZYN nicotine products valued over $32,000 at their business. The seizure contained about 50 different flavors of illicit suspected counterfeit ZYN, which is a product of Phillip Morris International and is federally trademarked within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The suspects could not provide invoices for all of the seized products.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Jose Aparicio-Finale, 36, of Hutto, was arrested for 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect illegally acquired about 200 gallons of diesel fuel valued at about $1,000. From May to June 2026, the suspect was associated with nine other fuel thefts, stealing about 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel worth nearly $13,000 by tampering with a pulsar device.

The case is pending prosecution in Nueces County.

Pedro Marciano Lopez, 52, of Odessa, was convicted of transporting motor fuel without shipping documents and evading motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An Ector County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ deferred adjudication, $100 in fines, $290 in court costs and $250 in reimbursement fees.

An investigation found the defendant illegally acquired diesel fuel by short loading 25-50 gallons of fuel from each of his customers. He would then sell that diesel fuel for $1 per gallon to a business.

Alejandra Cordova, 45, of Piedra Negras, Mexico, was arrested 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed approximately 170 gallons of diesel fuel in the bed of a truck and was transporting the fuel to Mexico without shipping documents.

The case is pending prosecution in Maverick County.

Margarita Ramos Picazo, 57, of Weimar, was arrested for failing to have an e-cigarette retail permit, a Class A misdemeanor.

An investigation revealed the suspect had several e-cigarettes for sale in a display case at her business but did not have the proper retail permit to sell the products.

The case is pending prosecution in Colorado County.

Brando Antonio Tavares-Castillo, 24, of Piedra Negras, Mexico, was arrested 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed over 360 gallons of diesel fuel in three saddle tanks in the bed of his vehicle and was transporting the fuel to Mexico without shipping documents.

The case is pending prosecution in Maverick County.

Mario Alberto Gonzalez Puente, 41, of Piedra Negras, Mexico, was arrested 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed approximately 700 gallons of diesel fuel in a large cargo tank of his vehicle and was transporting the fuel to Mexico without shipping documents.

The case is pending prosecution in Maverick County.

Alberto Duran, 27, of Eagle Pass, was arrested 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed three 150-gallon saddle tanks, all containing diesel fuel, and was transporting the fuel to Mexico without shipping documents.

The case is pending prosecution in Maverick County.

April Watson, 50, of Cedar Hill, was indicted for alleged books and records violation, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect had cigarette/tobacco products displayed, stored and for sale but did not have an active cigarette and tobacco retailer permit, and failed to keep records for the tobacco products sold at her business for four years as required.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Carlos Daniel Cedillo-Garza, 23, of Piedras Negras, Mexico, was arrested 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed approximately over 900 gallons of diesel fuel in a concealed metal tank of a vehicle, transporting the fuel to Mexico without shipping documents.

The case is pending prosecution in Maverick County.

Ruslan Serdyuk, 38, of Georgetown, was arrested for possessing prohibited e-cigarette products, a Class A misdemeanor.

An investigation revealed the suspect displayed for sale e-cigarette products that had images of food on the packaging.

The case is pending prosecution in Williamson County.

April Watson, 50, of Cedar Hill, was indicted for alleged tobacco tax violation involving books and records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect failed to report tobacco products and failed to keep books and records for four years as required.

The case is pending prosecution in Dallas County.

Amin Chagani, 55, of Grapevine, was convicted of possessing prohibited e-cigarette products, a Class B misdemeanor.

A Hill County district judge sentenced the defendant to one year of probation and a $500 fine.

An investigation found the defendant had a large amount of prohibited e-cigarette products displayed for sale, which displayed images primarily intended to appeal to minors.

Harmandeep Chahal, 44, of College Station, was arrested for possession with tax due and failing to keep books and records, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect failed to pay over $1,600 in tobacco tax for the 163 tobacco products at her retail business and failed to keep books and records for the products she had for sale for four years.

The case is pending prosecution in McLennan County.

Mukesh Soni, 39, of Dallas, was convicted of operating without a business license or registration certificate, a Class A misdemeanor.

A Hood County district judge sentenced the defendant to six months’ community supervision, a $500 fine and $310 in court costs.

An investigation found the defendant possessed and operated several coin-operated amusement machines without a license.

Leonardo Daniel Trujillo Zambada, 30, of Odessa, was arrested for 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 the suspect used a cloned card to illegally acquire approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel valued at about $2,900 in multiple transactions.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Jorge Luis Paez Cardenas, 28, of Odessa, was arrested for 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 the suspect used a cloned card to illegally acquire approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel valued at about $2,900 in multiple transactions.

The case is pending prosecution in Ector County.

Walter Frenzel, 54, of Waco, was indicted for allegedly providing false information and forgery, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and two counts of tampering with a governmental record, a state jail felony.

An investigation revealed the suspect entered fictitious information on a vehicle form and a false sales price on a title/registration form while acting as power of attorney for a private party purchase for his adult son.

The case is pending prosecution in McLennan County.

Claudia Maria Mayol Milanes, 27, of Houston, was indicted for allegedly engaging in two counts of organized criminal activity, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and the other count, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with three other suspects, illegally acquired over $23,000 worth of diesel fuel during 23 separate incidents. The suspects used three trucks with fuel tanks in the beds to steal the fuel using a large high-powered magnet.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Jesse Rodriguez Rivera, 37, of Houston, was indicted for allegedly engaging in two counts of organized criminal activity, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, and the other count, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with three other suspects, illegally acquired over $23,000 worth of diesel fuel during 23 separate incidents. The suspects used three trucks with fuel tanks in the beds to steal the fuel using a large high-powered magnet.

The case is pending prosecution in Harris County.

Victor Eduardo Medrano, 25, of Lamesa, was convicted of forgery of a financial instrument, a state jail felony.

A Howard County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ probation in lieu of serving two years in the correctional institution division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, $355 in court costs and $2,800 restitution.

An investigation found the defendant knowingly forged and presented a fraudulent warrant made out to himself for $2,800 and unlawfully exchanged it for cash.

Rolando Campa, 60, of Fort Worth, was convicted 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.

A Tarrant County district judge sentenced the defendant to 10 years’ deferred adjudication.

An investigation found the defendant intentionally and knowingly collaborated with others in carrying on criminal activities with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination of the profits. The defendant and co-defendants used stolen credit and debit card information to unlawfully acquire and transport diesel fuel.

Yordan Rodriguez Feria, 40, of Irving, was indicted for allegedly 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 found the defendant intentionally and knowingly collaborated with others in carrying on criminal activities with the intent to establish, maintain or participate in a combination of the profits. The defendant and co-defendants used stolen credit and debit card information to unlawfully acquire and transport diesel fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Hugo Aguirre-Negrete, 42, of Dallas, was convicted of 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.

After the defendant accepted a plea bargain, a Tarrant County district judge sentenced him to three years’ confinement. The sentence was suspended and the defendant was placed on community supervision for 36 months.

An investigation found the defendant illegally operated a motor vehicle on a public roadway using red-dyed diesel 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.

Brandon Sereika, 48, of Glen Rose, was indicted for allegedly falsifying the entry of or failing to enter records, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect unlawfully appropriated nearly 100 hunting blinds from their owner, then re-sold 40 of the blinds for approximately $900-1,200 (totaling around $40,000 in sales) without reporting the taxable sales.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.

Sammy Rodriguez Jr., 47, of Midland, was indicted for allegedly failing to remit tax collected, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect collected approximately $21,000 in motor vehicle tax and failed to remit the tax collected to the Midland County tax assessor-collector.

The case is pending prosecution in Midland County.

Gustavo Antonio Loredo-Berrones, 29, of Carrollton, was convicted of tampering with a governmental record, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and false entry/ failing to enter in a tax record, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A Somervell County district judge sentenced the defendant to seven years’ deferred adjudication, a $1,000 fine and 240 community service hours.

An investigation found the defendant intentionally and knowingly engaged in sales and use tax transactions from his business and made a false entry or failed to enter in records with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts as required.

Artavius Glenn Williams, 38, of Fort Worth, was convicted 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; transporting motor fuel without 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; and two counts of unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A Navarro County district judge sentenced the defendant to six years’ deferred adjudication, a $1,000 fine, 100 community service hours and ordered the defendant to pay $1,015 in restitution.

An investigation found the defendant and co-defendants worked in combination and used stolen credit card information to unlawfully acquire motor fuel and transported the stolen fuel in vehicles modified to receive, transport, and dispense large quantities of motor fuel.

Ramon Torres, 43, of Midland, was convicted of 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.

A Midland County district judge sentenced the defendant to two years’ deferred adjudication, a $2,000 fine, and 250 hours of community service.

An investigation found the defendant unlawfully appropriated red-dyed diesel fuel stored in an auxiliary tank of his vehicle and delivered it to supply tanks of trucks, thereby failing to pay the backup tax as the seller or ultimate consumer of 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.

Ramon Rojas Fernandez, 45, of Midland, was indicted for allegedly evading 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 suspect unlawfully acquired and transported red-dyed diesel fuel in large tanks in a vehicle that was modified to receive, transport, and dispense large quantities of 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 Midland County.

Jalees Mohammed, 53, of McKinney, was indicted for allegedly failing to keep books and records and owing tax due, both third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect possessed tobacco products with tax due of approximately $460 and failed to keep records for the tobacco products sold at his business for four years as required.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Alexis Tito Carvajal, 52, of Odessa, was convicted of evading 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 Ector County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ deferred adjudication, a $2,340 fine and court costs.

An investigation found the defendant purchased 500 gallons of red-dyed diesel fuel for about $1 per gallon from an unknown individual, and the fuel was stored in tanks of his 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.

Alfredo Palacios, 46, of Midland, was convicted of evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

A Midland County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ community supervision, a $1,000 fine and 200 hours of community service.

An investigation found the defendant unlawfully appropriated 58 gallons of diesel fuel from a 10,000-gallon stationary tank of a business and delivered it into a supply tank of his personal vehicle, thereby failing to pay the backup tax as the seller or ultimate consumer of the motor fuel.

Felix Labrada Carralero, 43, of Odessa, was convicted of evading motor fuel tax, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An Ector County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ deferred adjudication, a $2,340 fine and court costs.

An investigation found the defendant unlawfully appropriated and transported red-dyed diesel fuel in tanks in his 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.

Patrick Y. Wong, 61, of Austin, was indicted for allegedly assaulting a public servant, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect pushed a Comptroller of Public Accounts enforcement officer in the stomach and used pepper spray on her face and head while the officer was in the commission of her lawful duties in an attempt to collect sales and use tax.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Yasmany Caceres Canto, 38, of Austin, was convicted of 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.

A Hays County district judge sentenced the defendant to six years’ deferred adjudication and 200 hours of community service.

An investigation found the defendant illegally acquired approximately 30 gallons of diesel fuel valued at about $100 using a stolen credit/debit card information.

Luis Humberto Garcia, 31, of Odessa, was convicted of 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 organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An Ector County district judge sentenced the defendant to seven years’ probation on each count, more than $3,800 in fines and court costs, and $926 in restitution. Sentences will run concurrently.

An investigation found the defendant and his co-defendants unlawfully siphoned approximately 340 gallons of diesel fuel from the underground tank and delivered the fuel into vehicles modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of motor fuel.

David Morales, 53, of Tarzan, was arrested for 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.

An investigation revealed the suspect accepted delivery of approximately 3,000 gallons of illegally acquired and transported diesel fuel, valued around $10,000 and did not receive a shipping document for the delivery.

The case is pending prosecution in Martin County.

Edmundo Contreras, 43, of Encinal, was arrested 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 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 of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect admitted to stealing approximately 190 gallons of untaxed, red-dyed diesel fuel from his employer with intent to sell the fuel. Contreras failed to obtain a diesel fuel distributor license and failed to possess shipping documents. 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 Webb County.

Ismely Fernandez Ramos, 37, of Fort Worth, was indicted for allegedly evading 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 unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect illegally obtained diesel fuel siphoned from the underground fuel tanks.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Yandy Barrio-Denis, 42, of Austin, was indicted for allegedly evading motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a permit, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect manipulated fuel pumps and worked with others to unlawfully appropriate about 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel worth around $3,300.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Yosbel Benitez-Nuez, 25, of Pflugerville, was indicted for allegedly evading motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a permit, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect manipulated fuel pumps and worked with others to unlawfully appropriate about 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel worth around $3,300.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Jose Medina-Torres, 29, of Hutto, was indicted for allegedly evading motor fuel tax and transporting motor fuel without a permit, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect manipulated fuel pumps and worked with others to unlawfully appropriate about 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel worth around $3,300.

The case is pending prosecution in Travis County.

Samuel Trey Cornutt, 31, of Colorado City, Texas, was convicted of 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.

A Mitchell County district judge sentenced the defendant to 10 years’ deferred adjudication, a $4,000 fine, $750 in reimbursement fees, $290 in court costs and 60 days in county jail. An investigation found the defendant obtained red-dyed diesel fuel without the imposed back-up liability tax being paid. 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.

Julian Rey Cantu, 28, of San Antonio, was convicted of concealing motor fuel, a Class A misdemeanor.

A Crockett County district judge sentenced the defendant to six months’ deferred adjudication, a $300 fine and $300 for court costs.

An investigation found the defendant was driving a truck tractor that contained red-dyed diesel 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.

William Hergemueller, 65, of Dayton, was indicted for allegedly 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 of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect responded to the scene of an overturned 18-wheeler, as the Liberty County fire marshal, a position he no longer holds. While on scene, Hergemueller siphoned diesel fuel out of the 18-wheeler into his company truck, which was transported to his business. The suspect was not given permission to take the fuel, he did not return the fuel and he did not compensate the owner for the fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Liberty County.

Duviel Alfonso Aguilar, 35, of Odessa, was convicted of 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 organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An Ector County district judge sentenced the defendant to seven years’ probation on each count, over $3,500 in fines and court costs, and $926 in restitution. Sentences will run concurrently.

An investigation found the defendant and his co-defendants illegally siphoned approximately 340 gallons of diesel fuel from the underground tank of a convenience store. The defendant delivered the fuel into a vehicle set up as a criminal instrument with tanks, hoses, pumps and batteries to transport the illegally acquired fuel.

Omer Malik, 43, of Missouri City, was convicted of failing to pay taxes collected, a third-degree felony that was reduced to a Class A misdemeanor.

A Harris County district judge ordered Malik to remit $95,000 in restitution, which covered the delinquent sales and use taxes as well as penalties.

An investigation found the defendant underreported approximately $71,000 in sales and use tax collected from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023, from his business.

Orlando Lazo Mendoza, 26, of Fort Worth, was indicted for allegedly transporting fuel without shipping documents and evading motor fuel tax, both second-degree felonies punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, and unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect intentionally and knowingly evaded motor fuel tax by siphoning fuel from the underground fuel tank. The suspect then transported the illegally acquired motor fuel without documents and used a vehicle that was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of stolen motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Tarrant County.

Pedro Julio Ruiz-Llanes, 34, of Burleson, was indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with two other suspects, used re-encoded gift cards with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire motor fuel. The suspect utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting and storing stolen motor fuel and offering it for sale.

The case is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Carlos Javier Dixon Viel, 30, of Fort Worth, was convicted 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.

A Tarrant County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ probation and a fine of $1000.

An investigation found the defendant and his co-defendants unlawfully obtained diesel fuel using stolen credit/debit card information and delivered the fuel into vehicles modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of stolen motor fuel.

Ernesto Vallin Frometa, 54, of Dallas, was indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect, along with two other suspects, used re-encoded gift cards with stolen credit/debit card information to illegally acquire motor fuel. The suspect utilized vehicles modified for the purpose of acquiring, transporting and storing stolen motor fuel and offering it for sale.

The case is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Rayko Gomez-Valdez, 39, of Oklahoma City, Okla., was convicted of 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, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An Ellis County district judge sentenced the defendant to five years’ probation and a $500 fine.

An investigation found the defendant used re-encoded cards with stolen credit/debit card information to unlawfully appropriate and transport approximately 255 gallons of fuel worth more than $900.

Yazan Ahmad Hassan, 31, of Euless, was convicted of failing to have an e-cigarette permit and possession of a tobacco product without a permit posted, both Class A misdemeanors.

A Collin County district judge sentenced the defendant to nine months’ deferred adjudication, three days’ credit time served and a $200 fine.

An investigation found the defendant intentionally and knowingly engaged in a tobacco transaction without a permit posted and received, possessed and sold e-cigarettes without a permit posted.

Ricardo Pittaluga Toledo, 38, of Austin, was indicted for allegedly evading 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 unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect illegally obtained over 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel between Feb. 16 and 22, 2024, using stolen credit and debit card information and a vehicle that was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of stolen motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Ellis County.

Deryan Ja-Juan Burkley, 44, of Kennedale, was indicted for allegedly evading 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 unlawful use of a criminal instrument, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

An investigation revealed the suspect illegally obtained diesel fuel using stolen credit and debit card information and delivered the fuel into a vehicle that was modified to receive, transport and dispense large quantities of stolen motor fuel.

The case is pending prosecution in Johnson County.