A man from North Richland Hills, Texas, has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly stealing red-dyed diesel fuel from a construction site. Edward Kamprath, 38, faces four felony counts related to motor fuel tax violations and one felony count for the unlawful use of criminal instruments. The theft occurred at a hospital construction site in Texarkana in June 2023. Red-dyed diesel is specifically intended for off-road equipment and cannot be used in vehicles that travel on public roads. Local authorities initially charged Kamprath with misdemeanor theft, but further investigation by the Texas Comptroller's Office led to additional felony charges. Kamprath pleaded guilty to theft in April and served six months in jail. In September, investigators reviewed evidence and video footage showing Kamprath stealing fuel during daylight hours despite workers' attempts to stop him.

Investigation Unveils Serious Fuel Tax Violations

The case highlights the complexity of fuel-related crimes and the involvement of state-level agencies in addressing them. Initially, local police charged Kamprath with petty theft, but it became clear that the situation was more severe when the Texas Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division got involved. This division specializes in financial crimes, particularly those involving taxes and licensing. Investigators found that Kamprath not only stole the diesel but also failed to comply with strict regulations surrounding the transport and taxation of large quantities of fuel. Such offenses carry significant penalties, including felony charges for violating motor fuel tax requirements.

Red-dyed diesel is a specialized fuel type that is only permissible for off-road use, such as heavy machinery on construction sites. Using this fuel in commercial or personal vehicles would be illegal. The theft of this specific type of diesel raises concerns about the broader implications of misusing regulated fuels. The investigation revealed that Kamprath's actions were not just a simple act of theft but also involved sophisticated methods, including the use of an unauthorized pumping system attached to his pickup truck. The seriousness of these violations underscores the need for stringent oversight in industries where regulated materials are handled.

Plea and Evidence Review Highlight Severity of Offense

Kamprath’s legal journey began with a misdemeanor charge for property theft, which he promptly admitted to in court. He served 180 days in Bowie County jail for this offense. However, the story did not end there. The Texas Comptroller’s Office reviewed the case and uncovered deeper issues, leading to the addition of felony charges. The thorough examination of evidence collected by the Texarkana Police Department, including video footage, provided compelling proof of Kamprath’s actions. The footage captured Kamprath in the act of stealing fuel during daylight hours, even as workers tried to intervene.

The video evidence played a crucial role in building the case against Kamprath. It showed him using an improvised pumping system to siphon off gallons of red-dyed diesel from the construction site. Despite the efforts of workers who attempted to prevent the theft, Kamprath managed to complete his illicit activities. The review of this footage by the comptroller’s investigator in September solidified the case, leading to the formal filing of multiple felony charges. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security measures at construction sites and the potential for serious legal consequences when regulations are breached.