Case News

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.