A Texas-based oil and gas company doing business as Vallee is under investigation for suspected participation in the organized theft and trafficking of petroleum products.
In a news release, DPS said its Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit, in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, executed a series of search and arrest warrants as part of a long-term investigation into an alleged criminal enterprise involving the trafficking of stolen petroleum products.
“To date, investigators have executed 17 search warrants in Reeves, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Hunt counties in Texas, as well as Garvin County, Oklahoma,” DPS said. “As a result of the investigation, six individuals, including members of the company’s corporate leadership, have been arrested on state charges being prosecuted by the 143rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.”
DPS said the search warrants were executed Aug. 12. The 143rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office is based in Monahans. DPS also said operations in August resulted in the seizure of assets through asset forfeiture proceedings.
The seized assets include:
DPS said the operation was conducted by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit in partnership with the 143rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Reeves County Sheriff’s Office, Loving County Sheriff’s Office, FBI El Paso-Midland, the DPS CID North Texas Region and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Additional assistance was provided by the Kermit Police Department, Midland County Sheriff’s Office, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, Rockwall County District Attorney’s Office, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office.
DPS said the investigation remains active and ongoing, with additional arrests and seizures anticipated. DPS has released no additional information.
According to Vallee’s website, its corporate headquarters is based in Forney, Texas. There is also a Midland business office listed on the company’s website.