San Antonio oilman sentenced to 10 years over fraud involving Gonzales County oil prospects

San Antonio oilman Brian Alfaro was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison Tuesday by a federal judge following a two-year investigation into allegations of fraud.

Court filings show that in February, Alfaro was convicted by a federal jury of eight counts of mail fraud. According to a release from the Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Texas, evidence presented during trial showed Alfaro offered an opportunity to invest in Gonzales County gas and oil prospects. These prospects included the Screaming Eagle 4H, Screaming Eagle 6H and Black Hawk Horizontal Buda #1. Investors mailed checks to Alfaro’s oil company, Primera, in San Antonio. Further evidence provided during the trial indicated that these funds were used to fund extravagant purchases for Alfaro, such as $100,000 San Antonio Spurs season tickets and luxury vehicles.

In this release, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs said Alfaro’s deception left his victims struggling.

“While some of his victims were wealthy investors, others trusted Alfaro with their entire life savings and will likely struggle financially for the rest of their lives,” Combs said. “The sentence handed down today should serve as a warning to others who seek to victimize and betray investors in our community.”

If you were affected by the events described and would like to share your story, please reach out to the Inquirer at 830-672-2861 or news@gonzalesinquirer.com.