MIDLAND, TX — Sammy Rodriguez Jr., a former general manager at Midland Mitsubishi, is accused of embezzling over $129,000 from the dealership, using company funds for personal expenses including boat payments and other unauthorized transactions.
According to an arrest affidavit, Rodriguez Jr., 45, faces charges of felony theft between $30,000 and $150,000, and credit/debit card abuse. The case stems from a lengthy investigation by Midland Police Detective Miguel Herrera, who reviewed suspicious financial activity and alleged misuse of company funds between 2019 and 2024.
Rodriguez was fired on May 2, 2024, after dealership ownership uncovered potential fraud. The affidavit reveals the company initially believed up to $1 million was missing. The owner alleged Rodriguez failed to register nearly 150 customer vehicles, forged signatures, issued false check promises, and misappropriated funds.
While Rodriguez claimed other employees also had access to the accounts and denied wrongdoing, investigators concluded he directed checks for his personal use, despite not being an authorized account signer. Herrera believes some employees may have issued checks under pressure or without proper documentation.
Rodriguez sent investigators a partial explanation involving payroll delays and shared evidence of check transactions related to boat payments. However, police said he failed to provide enough documentation to support his claims.
The total amount allegedly misappropriated is currently listed as $129,146.88, though that number may grow. Rodriguez is currently held at the Midland County Central Detention Center under a combined bond of $900,000.
The investigation is ongoing.
