Merrell plea deal rejected
Farmer Staff Reports
A Change of Plea hearing was held Wednesday, Aug. 2, for Darrell “Woody” Merrell. He was charged with a Class A Felony for conspiracy to commit theft exceeding $50,000, and a Class C Felony for dealing in stolen property in 2022. These charges stemmed from his alleged participation in the theft of $2.4 million of crude oil from Crestwood Midstream.
Judge Robin Schmidt presided and has overseen the cases of the other three men charged for their participation in the theft. During Merrell’s hearing she rejected the plea agreement proposed by State’s Attorney Ty Skarda and Merrell’s legal team.
Merrell and the state’s attorney will now need to come to a new agreement to present to the court. The date of the new hearing is yet to be determined.
The other three participants, Mark McGregor, Joseph Vandewalker, and Michael Garcia have all pleaded guilty and have been sentenced for their participation in stealing the $2.4 million in crude oil.