A multi-agency investigation has led to the arrest of an Arlington man, one of four suspects, who were caught on video surveillance stealing 1,900 gallons of diesel in Delta County on Nov. 21, 2023.
Through the investigation, it was determined that the same suspects also stole diesel from convenience stores in Commerce and Paris during a span of three days.
According to Delta County Sheriff’s Office, the theft was reported by the EZ Mart Convenience Store, located in the 900 block of East Dallas Street in Cooper, on Nov. 25, 2023. The video surveillance caught the suspects early in the morning on Nov. 21, 2023.
The suspects used a device on the pump to steal 1900 gallons of diesel from the pump totaling $7200. They were captured on video surveillance using three different vehicles, one being a tractor truck, one being a commercial box truck and one a white passenger truck.
During the investigation, it was determined that the same subjects also stole diesel from convenience stores in Commerce and Paris during a span of three days in our area. As the investigation spanned, it was determined that the same ring of suspects were involved in the theft of diesel in several other cities in the metroplex area.
One of the suspects was identified through the investigation as 28-year-old Arlington resident, Yurisman Martinez-Del Risco and a warrant was issued by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office for his arrest for Theft over $2500.00 and under $30,000.00, which is a State Jail Felony in the State of Texas. Additionally, a warrant was also issued for Mr. Martinez-Del Risco for the same charge out of Commanche County in West Texas.
On January 1, 2024, Mr. Martinez-Del Risco was stopped for speeding in Celina, Texas and was arrested on those warrants.
He was transported to the Delta County Jail on January 2, 2024, and booked in on the theft warrant out of Delta County. He was also booked in on a theft warrant and an Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity warrant out of Comanche County.
Since the arrest, warrants for Theft over $2500 under $30,000 have been added for Erath County, Collin County, and Paris Police Department as well as an Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity out of Delta County. Mr. Martinez is currently being held at the Delta County Jail on all charges with a total of $200,000 bond.
Two more suspects have been identified through the investigation. One suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Pedro Julio Ruiz Llanes. Mr. Ruiz Llanes is still at large. He is a Cuban citizen, and it is believed that he may still be in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. He may also have ties to Miami and California.
The second suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Dallas resident Eric Flores. Mr. Flores has ties to Dallas and west Texas. He is the owner of the commercial box truck used in the thefts.
The Delta County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding Mr. Ruiz Llanes and Mr. Eric Flores.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are urged to contact your local law enforcement agency or to contact the Delta County Sheriff’s Office at (903)395-2146.
