El Paso Fire employee arrested for alleged fuel theft, abuse of work services
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An El Paso Fire Department employee allegedly took fuel from an EPFD vehicle to put into his personal vehicles, according to the El Paso County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4.
In a news release sent Wednesday, the constable's office said 51-year-old Oscar Maldonado took the fuel from different City of El Paso fuel pump locations. Authorities arrested him Monday and charged him with theft and abuse of official capacity.
The constable's office said Maldonado's neighbor reported the alleged fuel theft.
Since the allegations involved possible public corruption offenses, the constable's office requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
An investigation revealed video footage of Maldonado allegedly placing five-gallon fuel containers into various take-home vehicles with markings that indicated they belonged to EPFD, officials said.
Videos showed Maldonado allegedly dispensing the fuel into his family's vehicles at his home in Anthony, New Mexico, documents said. His spouse or daughter also allegedly dispensed the fuel.
EPFD and the City of El Paso helped find other videos showing Maldonado allegedly using his fuel pump employee access to dispense fuel bought by the city meant for city vehicles. He allegedly filled fuel containers and used them to fill his own personal vehicles.
"Maldonado’s actions were intentional and were committed for his and his family’s personal benefit," the constable's office said. "Maldonado’s employment with the El Paso Fire Department granted him access to the fuel purchased by the City of El Paso for use by the City of El Paso for official governmental purposes."
Authorities booked Maldonado into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $4,000 bond.
The City of El Paso issued the following statement:
"The El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) was notified that a civilian employee was the subject of a criminal investigation involving allegations related to theft of City property. The employee was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
On September 1, 2026, the EPFD was notified that the employee had been arrested in connection with the investigation. The EPFD is cooperating fully with the investigating agencies. As this remains an active criminal proceeding, the Department will not comment further.
The EPFD remains committed to integrity, accountability, transparency, and professionalism and has taken appropriate action consistent with applicable laws and policies."
