Federal prosecutors have released additional details about a case against two Electra men arrested last week in what the U.S. Attorney's Office describes as a large-scale crude oil theft conspiracy in the Permian Basin.

According to the Lubbock County Jail roster, James Darrell Reid, 65, and Randell Wayne Reid, 41, both of Electra, were booked into jail on a federal hold on Friday, April 17, 2026.

In a press release dated April 22, 2026, the U.S. Attorney's Office said the Reids are among 14 defendants indicted for their alleged roles in the scheme. The other 12 defendants named in the release are residents of Seminole, Texas and Lovington, New Mexico.

The alleged scheme

Prosecutors said the defendants "allegedly conspired to transport stolen crude oil across the New Mexico-Texas border for the purpose of enriching themselves."

According to the release, several defendants are accused of stealing crude oil from New Mexico producers — some of it stored on land leased from the federal government — and selling it below West Texas Intermediate pricing. The release said the conspirators knowingly transported the stolen oil across state lines for resale.

Charges and penalties

Each of the 14 defendants is charged with conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce. Several also face charges of interstate transportation of stolen property and receipt, possession, or sale of stolen property.

The U.S. Attorney's Office did not specify which counts apply to James or Randell Reid.

According to prosecutors, the maximum penalties are:

  • Up to 5 years in federal prison for conspiracy
  • Up to 10 years for interstate transportation of stolen property
  • Up to 10 years for receipt, possession, or sale of stolen property

In addition to the federal case, court records show James Reid faces six charges in Lubbock County, including two counts of engaging in organized criminal activity and two counts of theft of oil and gas equipment valued at more than $100,000.

All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.