According to official records obtained by El Tejano, the following details come from court papers filed in Starr County.
🚛 Three men face felony charges. Security cameras caught them stealing diesel from a fuel terminal in Delmita, Texas. The theft was at Delmita Products Terminal, 1189 FM 2294. Agents say about 80,000 gallons went missing. The three men charged took 29,200 gallons worth $69,375.58.
⛽ The fuel was owned by Triton Trading LLC. Co-owner Javier Pantoja told Texas DPS Agent Javier Riojas about the theft on March 3, 2026. Pantoja had a contract. It proved Triton owned the diesel.
🎥 Cameras got it all on tape. The night was February 18, 2026. Josue Rolando Mireles, 43, showed up at the tank site between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. He drove a truck and pulled a fuel tanker. He took 7,400 gallons worth $17,581.66. Sergio Cruz, 57, also showed up that same night. Cruz took 14,400 gallons worth $34,212.96.
🌙 The next night was February 19, 2026. Ubaldo Pedraza Jr., 34, got there between midnight and 1:00 AM. He drove a truck pulling a fuel tanker owned by South Texas Fuel Haulers, LLC. He took 7,400 gallons worth $17,581.66.
🔍 Agent Riojas watched the footage on March 19, 2026. Charges were filed in April 2026. The men tapped into tanks, hooked up pipes, and took the diesel without asking.
⚖️ All three face a fuel theft charge. It falls under Texas law, section 31.19. That is a Third Degree Felony. It can mean 2 to 10 years in prison.
The cases are in JP Court Precinct 4, Starr County. Judge Valerie Clarke is in charge.
