08/03/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oilfield Theft Task Force Strengthens Regional Response to Organized Crime
(Eddy County, NM)
Recent federal guilty pleas in a large-scale crude oil theft conspiracy highlight the very real threat that organized oilfield crime poses to our region. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the investigation uncovered the theft of tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil from producers in Eastern New Mexico and the Permian Basin.
These cases reinforce why the Southeastern New Mexico Oilfield Theft Task Force was established. By bringing together the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Permian Basin Oilfield Theft Task Force, and other local, state, and federal partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify, investigate, and disrupt organized oilfield crime through intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, and collaborative investigations.
Since the creation of the task force, these partnerships have already produced significant results. Numerous arrests have been made through joint investigative efforts, resulting in criminal charges involving hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses and damages. Additionally, the task force has received reports from multiple oil and gas operators experiencing increased losses related to suspected crude oil theft and other oilfield crimes, further demonstrating the need for a coordinated regional response.
Eddy County Sheriff Matt Hutchinson stated, “This case highlights the value of the Oilfield Theft Task Force’s partnership and the need for their investigative support.”
The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the Permian Basin, hold offenders accountable, and safeguard the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods depend on our energy industry.
Oilfield theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, employees, landowners, and the communities that rely on the energy industry. Through strong partnerships and dedicated investigative efforts, the Southeastern New Mexico Oilfield Theft Task Force remains committed to protecting this vital industry and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Article can be viewed at:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx/pr/six-defendants-plead-guilty-conspiracy-steal-crude-oil-permian-basin
