Brandon Kieft, 47, a Midland resident and owner of Black Gold Pipe and Supply, was arrested on October 9 on charges of second-degree felony theft, according to an arrest affidavit from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The charges stem from allegations of failing to refund payments for undelivered pipe and brokering unauthorized sales.
Multiple complaints were reported to DPS, with one dating back to January 2024 involving Stoneridge Pipeline Integrity. Stoneridge had prepaid over $80,000 for $160,000 worth of pipe in September 2023, but the shipment never arrived. Despite requests for a refund, Kieft allegedly promised payments through cashier’s checks and bank transfers that never materialized.
A former Black Gold salesman corroborated that initial communications appeared normal, but issues arose when Stoneridge began reporting non-delivery. Kieft claimed shipments were delayed at the Texas-Mexico border.
Further investigation revealed Kieft brokered a $60,000 pipe sale to Hondo Resources LLC without proper authorization from Tactical Water Group, the rightful owner. When Hondo Resources attempted to retrieve the pipe, they were informed it was already sold without Tactical Water Group’s consent. Kieft returned $30,000 but ceased further communications regarding the remaining balance.
Additional complaints included Quick Line Corp., which paid $11,100 for pipe scheduled for delivery in May 2024 but never received it. Kieft allegedly stalled and refused refunds. Oil Equip LLC also reported nonpayment for a $67,600 pipe order shipped to New Mexico, despite Kieft’s promises and fake transfer screenshots.
The total financial loss tied to Kieft’s alleged scheme is approximately $194,832.07. After his arrest, Kieft was released on a $50,000 bail bond. In Texas, second-degree felony theft carries penalties of 2 to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
