GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas — A multi-agency investigation that began with a reported grain theft in Guadalupe County has uncovered an alleged organized operation involving about 176 stolen grain loads across Texas, authorities said.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation March 11 after receiving a report of grain theft on Barbarossa Road. Investigators said witness statements and other evidence eventually led them to a network that allegedly stole semi-trailer loads of grain from public grain bins in several Texas counties.
Authorities have identified about 9.1 million pounds of stolen grain with an estimated value of $791,739.
Investigators have arrested three suspects: Pablo Franco Jr., 46, of Atascosa County; Ricky Regalado, 52, of Smiley; and Larry Regalado, 57, of New Braunfels.
Each suspect faces Guadalupe County charges of theft of property valued at more than $300,000, engaging in organized criminal activity and stealing or receiving stolen grain. The first two charges are first-degree felonies, while the grain charge is a second-degree felony.
Authorities allege the suspects removed loaded semi-trailers without authorization from public grain bins. Investigators have not released specific facility names or other details as the investigation continues.
The case has expanded into a statewide investigation involving the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Public Safety and law enforcement agencies in Navarro, Ellis, Williamson and Frio counties, as well as the Taylor Police Department.
Sheriff Joshua Ray said the investigation shows how cooperation among law enforcement agencies can expand a local theft report into a larger case.
“This started with one complaint in Guadalupe County,” Ray said. “Our investigators stayed with it, built the case and brought in partners across Texas.”
Authorities said they expect additional arrests. The investigation remains ongoing.
