One Way Diesel Performance located in Nacogdoches, Texas, is known for several reasons. To start, it’s featured in a show called Texas Metal’s Loud and Lifted, available on MotorTrend TV. If you’re unfamiliar with the shop from that, you may have noticed its Cummins diesel-swapped Lamborghini Gallardo that gained popularity in 2023. However, about a year and a half back, the shop gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons when unhappy customers sought to put it out of business permanently. Those issues have not yet subsided as the owners of One Way Diesel were recently arrested for property theft exceeding $300,000.
Chase Wells and his father, Tommy Wells, were taken into custody on March 27 by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office. They were processed at the county jail and swiftly released on a $50,000 bond each, with the NCSO’s website indicating their release occurred in under 45 minutes.
Official indictment documents acquired by The Drive reveal that both Wells family members face charges for unlawfully “acquiring or otherwise exerting control over” property belonging to three different clients. In one case, the property was held from approximately May 13, 2022, until May 18, 2024, valued at “$30,000 or more but less than $150,000.” Another case pertained to property valued at “$2,500 or more but less than $30,000” that was retained between Jan. 1 and Oct. 2, 2024. The most severe allegation involved the supposed retention of property for over five years, valued at “$150,000 or more but less than $300,000.”
Each indictment concludes with the statement, “And it is further presented that all of the amounts were obtained pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct, and the aggregate value of the property obtained was $300,000 or more.”
Discussing the 1 Way Diesel Performance case…
The Drive released an extensive article on One Way Diesel in October 2024. That article featured a firsthand account from Brad Ekstam of FASS Diesel Solutions, who had the shop construct a six-door Ford F-450. He later initiated a negative campaign against One Way after receiving the truck back with numerous issues. Our article also brought attention to the case of Diego Singleton, who claims One Way withheld his $50,000 deposit despite not working on his 1979 Ford. Neither Ekstam nor Singleton are mentioned in the recent indictments.
A trial date has yet to be established for either Chase Wells or Tommy Wells, although both cases will be handled by the grand jury of Nacogdoches County. The proposed charges are categorized as first-degree felonies in Texas.
Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly: [email protected]
**Texas Diesel Shop Owners Arrested for Theft of Property Amid Complex Background**
In a significant law enforcement endeavor, multiple owners of diesel repair shops in Texas have been detained on allegations of property theft, prompting concern within the local populace and the automotive sector. The arrests are part of a larger inquiry into a series of thefts affecting the area, particularly focusing on heavy machinery and diesel vehicles.
### Investigation Overview
The inquiry commenced several months prior when local officials received various reports of stolen diesel equipment and components from construction locations and repair facilities. As the thefts intensified, law enforcement agencies collaborated with the Texas Department of Public Safety to discern patterns and likely suspects. Surveillance operations and undercover investigations uncovered a network of individuals allegedly engaged in the theft and resale of stolen goods.
### Arrests and Allegations
The climax of the investigation resulted in the apprehension of several shop owners, accused of knowingly purchasing and reselling stolen diesel gear. Authorities assert that these individuals not only partook in the thefts but also established a veneer of lawful business operations to conceal their illicit activities. The charges encompass property theft, conspiracy to commit theft, and possession of stolen property.
### Community Repercussions
The arrests have created a stir within the local community, especially among legitimate business owners managing diesel repair shops. Many expressed worries regarding the detrimental effects such criminal actions could have on their reputations and customer trust. The diesel repair sector plays a crucial role in the Texas economy, sustaining numerous jobs and businesses dependent on heavy machinery.
### Legal Developments
As the legal proceedings progress, the indicted shop owners are anticipated to confront a variety of penalties if found guilty, including substantial fines and possible prison terms. The case has attracted considerable media coverage, sparking discussions about the necessity for stricter regulations and oversight within the automotive repair sector to avert similar occurrences in the future.
### Conclusion
The arrests of Texas diesel shop owners for property theft underscore the intricacies of crime within the automotive industry. As the investigation advances, it serves as a reminder of the significance of ethical business practices and the potential ramifications of engaging in unlawful activities. The community remains optimistic that justice will prevail and that measures will be taken to protect against future thefts and fraud in the sector.