LUBBOCK, Texas (KOSA/Gray News) – Six people pleaded guilty to their roles in a conspiracy to steal crude oil from Permian Basin producers and resell it for profit, federal prosecutors announced.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the guilty pleas stem from a seven-count indictment that 14 defendants took part in the scheme.
Those who pleaded guilty on July 15 are:
- Gyardo Gonzalez, 47, of Lovington
- Mario Mendoza, 40, of Lovington
- Miguel A. Soto, 41, of Lovington
- Luis Rojo, 51, of Seminole
- Diana Marquez Rojo, 47, of Hobbs
- Jesus Martin Hernandez-Borja, of Hobbs
In court filings, the defendants admitted to stealing tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil from producers in eastern New Mexico and selling it to Louis George Edgett, 69, of Lovington, and Brenden Floyd Strickland, 26, of Hobbs, who are also charged in the case.
Federal prosecutors said Edgett and Strickland bought the stolen oil for well below West Texas Intermediate market prices, typically paying between $10 and $15 per barrel.
Court documents gave several examples of the profits.
One conspirator admitted selling 10,975 barrels of stolen crude oil between June 2022 and July 2024.
Prosecutors said the oil had an estimated market value of $888,975, but Edgett and Strickland paid $164,625.
Another conspirator sold 9,090 barrels during the first half of 2024.
That oil was valued at more than $724,000, while prosecutors said the buyers paid about $136,350.
A third conspirator admitted stealing crude oil valued at up to $1.5 million.
According to plea documents, James Darrell Reid, 65, and Randell Reid, 41, both of Electra, also purchased the stolen crude oil from Edgett and Strickland at below-market prices.
Prosecutors said the pair transported the oil across the New Mexico-Texas state line to their business in Seminole before selling it to midstream buyers.
Each defendant who pleaded guilty, except Diana Marquez Rojo, faces up to five years in federal prison.
Diana Marquez Rojo faces up to three years in prison.
All also face fines of up to $250,000, restitution for victims and forfeiture. Sentencing dates have not yet been scheduled.
A seventh defendant, Tavares Montrail Cole, 49, has also admitted in court filings to participating in the conspiracy. His rearraignment is scheduled for Aug. 3.
The remaining seven defendants charged in the case continue to face allegations that include conspiracy and, for some, transportation of stolen property in interstate commerce.
The charges carry potential prison sentences ranging from five years to as much as 65 years, along with substantial fines.
Copyright 2026 KOSA via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
