Five arrested for stealing up to 2,500 gallons of diesel per night from Texas truck stops, officials say
Authorities say that they have dismantled a major diesel fuel theft ring targeting truck stops across North Texas.
An investigation was launched in April 2026 after the Garland Police Department received multiple reports of stolen fuel and card numbers.
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) learned that an organized criminal group installed card skimming devices on diesel pumps to steal payment card information and use the stolen data to obtain fuel from truck stops throughout North Texas.
“Authorities estimated the group stole between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of diesel per night, five to six nights per week by pumping the fuel into hidden compartments built into the vehicles they were driving. Investigators also determined the group had placed skimming devices on fuel pumps as far away as Smith County, Texas,” FCIC said.
On June 12, 2026, multiple agencies executed search warrants at two locations in Irving and one location in Arlington simultaneously.
The searchers uncovered “a significant quantity of skimming-related equipment,” including 10 card skimmer devices, 50 altered payment cards, and a a laptop computer connected to a re-encoding device.
FCIC said that breaking up the organized theft operation saved Texans from $10 million in fraud losses.
The following five people were arrested for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a First-Degree Felony:
- Jael Diaz Morejon – arrested during the Arlington operation
- Adriana Castillo Oliveros – arrested during the Arlington operation
- Noel Pena Rodriguez – arrested during the Irving operation
- Carlos Virgilio Lopez Coba – arrested during the Irving operation
- Betsy Santiesteban Lopez – arrested while arriving from Mexico on a flight on June 15, 2026
“Friday’s operation reflects the exceptional coordination and commitment of our local, state, and federal partners,” said Captain Jeff Headley, Field Operations, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. “The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center was created by the Texas Legislature for the purpose of coordinating large-scale investigations such as this, and we are privileged to lead an effort that protects the citizens of Texas.”