Diesel heist ring exposed: two arrests in riverside county fuel surge
A year-long investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has culminated in the arrest of two men suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated diesel fuel theft operation, crippling local businesses and driving up prices.
Operation ‘black pump’ uncovered
The operation, dubbed ‘Black Pump’ internally, began in May 2025 with deputies responding to a reported theft at a business on 66th Avenue in Mecca. What started as a seemingly isolated incident quickly revealed a meticulously planned network, utilizing modified vehicles to siphon hundreds of gallons of diesel.
Initially, investigators recovered an abandoned truck, but the culprits vanished. However, a series of subsequent thefts – notably one in Coachella involving nearly 9,000 gallons – pointed to a consistent methodology and a single, coordinated operation. The sheer volume of stolen fuel, estimated at over 463 gallons in the initial incident alone, highlighted the scale of the illicit activity.
Suspects identified and apprehended
Through painstaking detective work, deputies identified the masterminds behind the scheme: Steven Anthony Bailey, 40, and Brian Briseno Mena, 27, both residents of Perris. Multiple search warrants were executed across the Inland Empire – in Perris, Homeland, and Apple Valley – uncovering evidence of fuel theft operations and vehicle modifications.
On Tuesday, April 7th, deputies served a warrant at a property in Daniella Way, arresting Bailey and Mena without incident. Bailey faces multiple felony charges including grand theft, theft of fuel, conspiracy, and organized retail theft. Mena is charged with felony theft of fuel.
Fuel prices soar amidst investigation
These arrests come at a critical juncture, coinciding with a national surge in diesel prices, topping $5 per gallon for the first time since 2022. The investigation’s success represents a significant blow to organized crime and a relief for local businesses struggling with rising operational costs. Sheriff’s officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The numbers don’t lie: nearly $81,000 in fuel was lost to this ring alone – a stark reminder of the financial repercussions of such criminal activity.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. Contact them at (760) 863-8990.