Three Plead Guilty to Stealing Massive Amounts of Diesel Fuel Intended for CSX Rail Cars
Stolen Fuel Later Sold to Individuals in West Virginia and Kentucky
| U.S. Attorney’s Office January 03, 2011 |
HUNTINGTON, WV—Three individuals pled guilty today in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to steal thousands of gallons of diesel fuel valued at more than $900,000, and selling it to businesses and individuals in West Virginia and Kentucky. Darrell Glen Deerfield, 47, of Rush, Kentucky; Joey Williams, 52, of Greenup, Kentucky; and Paul David Smith, 40, of Barboursville, West Virginia, each pled guilty before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to one-count informations charging them with conspiracy to transport and sell goods stolen from interstate shipments from April 2007, until September 2008.
“This case involves a significant loss,” stated U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who steal from businesses, large or small.”
The convictions stem from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation into a major fuel theft from two corporations—CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSX”) and CEVA Logistics, Inc. (“CEVA”). The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy, Deerfield was employed by CEVA, a Texas corporation which contracted with CSX to transport diesel fuel to various locations throughout Kentucky and West Virginia for the purpose of refueling CSX locomotives. CSX transports goods by rail throughout the eastern United States.
At his hearing, Deerfield, who was responsible for transporting the diesel fuel, admitted he conspired with Williams and Smith to heist a portion of the diesel fuel from a fueling facility in Russell, Kentucky. The fuel was destined for delivery to CSX trains. The three men admitted that the stolen fuel was subsequently given to Smith who would sell it to various businesses and individuals in West Virginia and Kentucky.
Each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when sentenced on April 4, 2011.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles T. Miller is handling the prosecution. CSX Police assisted in the investigation.