DONNA, Texas (CBS12) — Matthew Tafolla, 37, from South Texas, was arrested on January 24 by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) on a second-degree felony charge for the theft of a cargo shipment of name-brand distilled spirits.
Tafolla was apprehended in Donna, Texas, and is currently being held in the Hidalgo County Jail.
The investigation began in July 2024 after a shipment of spirits went missing while in transit within the state. TABC agents, along with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), launched a joint investigation. Their efforts led to the recovery of the stolen alcohol inventory in Dallas later that same year.
Further inquiry into the case identified Tafolla as the suspect responsible for the theft, leading to his arrest last week.
The stolen liquor’s brand has not been disclosed, nor has the total amount of alcohol taken in the theft.
TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly emphasized the broader impact of such crimes, stating, “Theft of alcohol inventory not only hurts the affected business, but it also puts the people of Texas at risk through the unregulated sales of these products on the black market.”
The investigation into multiple alcohol cargo thefts across Texas remains active, with further arrests expected.
TABC continues to work with law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable.
