Saturday, November 7, 2026·Focal News

The Dallas Focal

Dallas's independent voice

Local

FBI, IRS Raid Midlothian Oil and Gas Firm Accused of Defrauding Investors

Federal agents searched four Midlothian addresses, including the offices of West Texas Crude Energy, a company facing lawsuits alleging its oil and gas operations were a sham. No arrests were made.

FBI, IRS Raid Midlothian Oil and Gas Firm Accused of Defrauding Investors

MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — Federal agents descended on four locations across this Ellis County city on Friday, including the offices of an oil and gas development company that investors have accused in court of running a fraudulent operation, authorities confirmed.

The FBI said it was involved in the raids, and Midlothian police detectives assisted with an investigation spanning the 4000 block of Wisteria, the 500 block of South 9th Street, the 2900 block of Eagles Nest and the 2500 block of Springer Road. IRS investigators were also seen at one of the scenes.

No arrests were made, according to the FBI, which declined to elaborate on the nature of the investigation.

"At this time, there is no active threat to the public," Midlothian police said in a statement. "We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as this investigation continues."

The business at the South 9th Street address is West Texas Crude Energy, LLC, according to people familiar with the matter. The company describes itself as an oil and gas developer and operates an investor portal on its website.

Court records show multiple investors have sued the company, alleging that its promises were fabricated. One lawsuit claims that "all of it was a sham" and asserts that Texas Railroad Commission records show no active production for any well operated by West Texas Crude.

The company did not respond to a request for comment.

Residents on Springer Road, a quiet residential street, said they were stunned to see federal agents and television helicopters overhead.

"Just surprised that something to that magnitude could happen in a neighborhood like ours," said Kevin Pardue, who lives on the street.

A person who entered the Springer Road home after investigators departed declined to speak with reporters and turned off the lights inside.

The raids underscore growing scrutiny of energy investment ventures that promise returns from oil and gas wells but may lack the production to back them up. For Midlothian residents, the visible federal presence served as a reminder that complex financial investigations can reach into ordinary neighborhoods.

Authorities have not filed any charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.

More from The Dallas Focal