The vigilance of Dublin PD and seven other agencies has led to the arrests of three suspects involved with a Cuban International Organized Crime Ring, spanning over 250 miles across Texas.
The investigation began Nov. 17, 2023, when the Dublin Police Department was contacted by the owner of Big’s Convenience Store, located at 505 East Blackjack Street, who wanted to report the theft of fuel, according to investigating officer Kristi Bonilla.
“The owner realized there was a problem when a customer paid for $30 worth of diesel and came back in because the pump let them get way more than that,” Bonilla said.
When the owner checked the inventory report, he realized that in the early morning hours something had occurred allowing a large amount of diesel to be pumped out. When checking security footage, two individuals had pulled up to get diesel on the side of Big’s – a total of 742.78 gallons of fuel at a cost of $2,597.69 that was never paid for.
Officer Bonilla said when she watched the security footage something seemed off to her since the suspects were able to throw off the video using a couple of techniques. Due to the working relationship with Texas Ranger B.J. Hill, Dublin PD asked him to take a look at the video. He suspected that an organized fuel theft was taking place and aided Dublin PD in making contact with the Texas Comptroller’s Office, who is the investigating agency when fuel tax theft is involved.
The suspects also damaged the pumps in the amount of $9,827.87.
The suspects had been able to alter the fuel pump pulser, which essentially makes fuel a 1-to-1 ratio. A customer pays for a gallon of fuel and they would get a gallon of fuel. In the example of the Dublin’s theft, the suspects were allegedly able to alter the pump to a 1-to-9 ratio (they ‘paid’ for a gallon of diesel and got 9 gallons.) They also utilized pre-paid Visa cards to get the pumps started, or at least until one of the suspect’s accidentally used his wife’s debit card that recorded a name.
When Dublin PD put out a BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vehicles, Comanche PD realized they had a similar theft. Eventually, so did Commerce and Paris PD.
Several agencies, including Dublin PD, filed charges against the three suspects: Pedro Julio Ruiz-LLanoes, Eric Figueroa Flores and Yurisman Martinez-Del Risco, ranging from a State Jail felony to Third Degree felony charges.
After meeting with the Comptroller’s office and learning that the crime spree spanned across so many jurisdictions, the decision was made by all agencies to indict the trio on a First Degree Felony offense of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Under Texas law, the charge could have been filed in any jurisdiction where the crime occurred. Due to an Agent of the State Comptroller’s Office taking the lead in the investigation, it was determined that the charge would be filed in Delta County.
Due to three or more persons committing more than one criminal offense the charges were enhanced to a First Degree felony rather than several State Jail and Third Degree felonies.
“Criminal enterprises such as this one often times target small towns with little or no law enforcement presence to victimize citizens. These criminals believe that it is easier to get away with crimes in rural areas. I hope our dedication to holding criminal suspects accountable will send a message to others, just because we are small and rural does not mean we are incapable. There are 10 men and women in Dublin, Texas that are dedicated to the safety and security of our community. When you victimize our citizens we take it personal,” Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray said. “I commend the work of Officer Bonilla on this investigation. While the indictment came out of a district court in Delta County, that does not mean she did not have an active and important role ensuring that a criminal indictment was obtained. I would like to thank all of the other agencies involved for their assistance and specifically Texas Ranger BJ Hill, who provided us with invaluable guidance at the beginningof thisinvestigation. The Dublin Police Department prides ourselves on ensuring that all investigations are worked to their fullest potential and due to our strong working relationships with local, state and federal agencies our reach is well beyond the city limits sign.”
Texas Comptroller State Police Criminal Investigator Mick Kimbrow, Texas Ranger B.J. Hill, Commerce PD, Paris PD, Comanche PD, Comanche County Sheriff’s Office, Delta County Sheriff’s Office and Dublin PD were all involved in the investigation of this case.