t's unclear how or if they were connected to Vallee Oil.

The backstory:

The investigation into the purported oil-theft ring spanned wide, with 17 total search warrants served across Texas and one in Oklahoma.

Authorities also seized about $12 million in assets, including 2,600 barrels of petroleum, along with vehicles, jewelry and multiple bank accounts.

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What they're saying:

 The fraud ran deep in this case but, essentially, these defendants were just common thieves stealing from those who had spilled their blood, sweat and tears to extract that oil from the ground,  said Justin Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

Simmons added that the government plans to continue cracking down on oil theft, especially as consumers continue to see a rise in prices at the pumps.

 When costs for oil and gas producers go up, the cost for the end purchase - the American taxpayer - also goes up,  he said.  That's why we will continue, through this whole of government approach, to take down and hold accountable those who steal oil from other producers.