To follow up on a story we’ve been covering, the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office has dropped charges of Theft and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity against one of the four suspects that was originally wanted for the theft of oilfield supplies and equipment recently.

San Augustine County Chief Deputy Gary Cunningham says Russell Dale Smith of Hemphill was brought in for questioning last week, but it was later determined his involvement in the alleged thefts was “minimal” and he was released.

Three other suspects, Joshua Bearden, Roy Edward Marshall and Jeremy Sowell have all been charged in taking over $26,000 in oil, diesel and batteries from throughout the county.