Loving County Sheriff's Office Details Local Seizures in Multi-Agency Oil Field Theft Operation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2026
Loving County Sheriff's Office Details Local Seizures in Multi-Agency Oil Field Theft Operation
MENTONE, Texas - The Loving County Sheriff's Office today released details of property seized within Loving County during the August 12, 2026, multi-agency operation targeting the alleged trafficking of stolen petroleum products.
The investigation into Oil Field theft in Loving County, Texas, was started several years ago and led to the following property that was specifically seized in Loving County and is being held pending civil asset forfeiture proceedings:
- 1,000 barrels of petroleum products
- 17 frac tank trailers
- Five 500-barrel storage tanks
- 1 truck tractor trailer
- 1 generator trailer with generator
- 1 tanker trailer
- 2 portable cabins
These items are in addition to the vehicles, currency, jewelry, petroleum products, and financial accounts announced by the Texas Department of Public Safety on August 27.
The August 12 operation culminated a long-term investigation into an alleged criminal enterprise involving a Texas-based oil and gas company, identified by DPS as Vallee. The Loving County Sheriff's Office participated in the operation alongside the DPS Criminal Investigations Division's Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit, the 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, the Reeves County Sheriff's Office, the FBI El Paso / Midland Resident Agency, DPS CID North Texas Region, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Six individuals, including members of the company's corporate leadership, were arrested on state charges and are being prosecuted by the 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional arrests and seizures are anticipated.
The Loving County Sheriff's Office thanks all federal, state and local law enforcement personnel for their assistance and for ensuring the safe conduct of this joint operation.
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sheriff David Landersman
Loving County Sheriff's Office
(432) 377-2411 | sherifflandersman@co.loving.tx.us
Questions regarding the prosecution of this case should be directed to the 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office. Questions regarding the broader multi-agency investigation should be directed to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
