At approximately 1:30 am, the Odessa Police Department responded to a gas theft in progress at the Kent Kwik located at 912 North County Road West. Officers detained two people who were illegally obtaining gas by tampering with the fuel pump.
In this incident, about 300 gallons of fuel had been illegally obtained. Investigators also determined that these same people were involved in previous thefts or had knowledge of the fuel thefts, totaling more than 3600 gallons.
A collaborative investigation with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, the Regional Comptroller Office, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, and the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, resulted in the arrest of the following:
Yoenny Garcia Ruiz, 26, charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Felony 3rd Degree, and 2 counts of Theft, SJF.
Yoanky Martinez Morata, 41, charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Felony 3rd Degree, and Theft, SJF.
Alexi Otero, 49, charged Felony 2nd Degree, and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Felony 3rd Degree.
All three have been transported to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are expected. If you have any information concerning this crime, please call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS.
