Texas Man Accused of Oilfield Trailer Theft, Deception

A Midland man is facing multiple charges after many oilfield trailers were stolen and then had their vehicle identification numbers altered.

The trailers were valued at more than $450,000.

The man, Juan Antonio Leyva Flores, allegedy received registrations for more than 40 trailers through a Midland-based business.

Investigators reviewed Texas DMV records and found numerous trailer registrations connected to the operation.

Most of the vehicles carried fracking sand.

The trailers allegedly showed a manufacturer that was not authorized by the federal government to manufacture such trailers.

Witnesses claimed that they purchased and rented trailers from the company, not knowing that they were stolen.

Investigators said that they visited the site where the trailers were allegedly manufactured, and found a small building but no sign of manufacturing.

Flores is facing charges of theft of petroleum product or oil and gas equipment and tampering with government record with intent to defraud, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Investigators said they recovered nearly a dozen oilfield trailers across several counties, including Midland, Ector, Winkler, Glasscock, Taylor and Martin counties.