September 19, 2023
Merrell sentenced in crude theft
Kristen Jones
Farmer Staff Writer
On September 14, Darrell “Woody” Merrell, one of four men charged in the theft of $2.4 million of crude oil from Crestwood in 2022, pleaded guilty to a Class A Felony of conspiracy to commit theft exceeding $50,000, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $20,000 fine; and a Class C Felony for trafficking in stolen property, which has a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
According to court records, Merrell and three other individuals were charged in connection to the ongoing theft, or “skimming,” of crude oil in 2022.