NY Man Arrested for Alleged $1.2M Oilfield Fraud Scheme in West Texas

MONAHANS, TX — A New York man accused of coordinating a scheme that allegedly defrauded Texas oilfield service companies out of more than $1.2 million has been arrested and faces first-degree felony charges, the 143rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Friday. 

Joshua Cohen was arrested in Nassau County, New York, in connection with charges filed in the 143rd Judicial District, which serves Ward, Reeves and Loving counties. He is charged with theft of services and engaging in organized criminal activity, both first-degree felonies under Texas law. 

Authorities said the investigation began after individuals who believed they had been victimized came forward, including some who contacted the office after sharing their experiences publicly online. 

The district attorney’s office did not release details of the allegations. Multiple published reports have identified Cohen as the founder of Vision Oil & Gas. His LinkedIn profile lists him as chairman of the board, controlling shareholder and chief financial officer of Azure Holding Group, a Texas-based oil and gas company with operations across the Permian Basin. 

Published reports allege Cohen orchestrated a scheme involving unpaid contracts for services that included trucking, equipment rentals and oilfield remediation work. Prosecutors said they could not comment further on the facts or evidence because the case is pending.

“Our obligation is to the people of Ward, Reeves, and Loving Counties,” Stogner said in a statement. “When anyone chooses to come into this district and victimize our residents, this office will investigate thoroughly and prosecute to the fullest extent the law allows. That commitment does not stop at the county line or the state line.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Office. 

Cohen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.