WATFORD CITY, N.D. — A Watford City man connected to a multi-million-dollar oil theft scheme has been arrested for an alleged probation violation, more than five years after the crimes occurred.
Darrell Merrell is one of four individuals previously found guilty of stealing more than $2.4 million worth of oil between 2020 and 2022. Earlier this month, Merrell’s parole officer filed court documents stating he failed to pay $200,000 in court-ordered restitution by the time his probation period ended.
Merrell appeared Monday in Northwest District Court, where Judge Daniel El-Dweek ordered him released on a personal recognizance bond, meaning he was not required to post bail but must promise to appear in court as ordered.
A hearing to determine whether Merrell’s probation should be revoked is scheduled for Feb. 26.
