Petrash Sentenced to 40 years for theft, forgery

By Jessica Coleman
Contributing Writer

Blake Patrick Petrash, 40, of Ganado, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Wednesday, November 6 after pleading guilty to Theft and Forgery.

In November of 2022, Petrash was indicted after admitting to police that he had stolen a large amount of money from his employer, Hurt’s Wastewater Management in Ganado. At the time, Petrash said in his confession it “I bet it's over a million.”

According to the Indictment, the thefts began in 2016 and continued until August 2022. Petrash was also charged with taking out fraudulent loans in the names of his uncle and aunt John and Deborah Hurt, owners of Hurt’s Wastewater Management.

Petrash chose to plead guilty to all three charges and leave the punishment up to District Judge Jack Marr. Testimony in the punishment phase of the trial lasted a day and a half, beginning Monday, November 4. 
Assistant District Attorney Tom Dillard presented evidence that the money stolen - $3.4 Million – was spent largely on sex workers and pornographic sites like chaturbate. Erotic text messages to multiple men from the defendant’s phone were read aloud in the courtroom, to refute previous claims by Petrash that he had been blackmailed into sending the money. 

The loans, the prosecution said, were taken out to cover expenses when the Hurt’s Wastewater Accounts were unable to cover them. At one point, the business checking account contained as little as $340, and was at other times reportedly only able to cover payroll for the 50 or so employees because the bank covered overdrafts. 

A video of Petrash’s interview with Texas Rangers and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office showed him admitting to fighting what he called “demons,” struggling with his sexuality and expressing regret.
“I would spend the rest of my life working to make it right,” he said to Texas Ranger John Lingle in the video. 

Members of the Hurt family testified that Petrash did irreparable damage to a small business and their family, and spoke of the betrayal they felt when he confessed to the crime. 

Brad Hurt, son of John Hurt and co-owner of Hurt’s Wastewater Management, testified to the disbelief he felt when the crimes came to light. He recounted the discovery that the books he had seen in the office were largely doctored – and some were entirely fake, including a savings account that showed over $1 million. That account didn’t exist at all. 

“He was Blake,” he said, motioning toward a crowded courtroom. “I think everyone in this room trusted him.” 

Defense attorney Brent Dornburg brought forth witnesses testifying that Petrash is a devout Christian who makes his community a better place through community service and acts of generosity. His friends and family testified that he helps organize ACTS retreats for his church and is active in community organizations that help beautify his city and make life better for others. Dornburg pointed to Petrash’s confession and guilty plea, saying that Petrash was remorseful and wanted to pay restitution – something he could not do from prison. 

Character witnesses for the defense described what they see as a good man who struggles with a sicknesss.

“The Devil Got him.” Testified former Jackson County Commissioner Johnny Belicek. 

In their closing statements, the defense asked Judge Marr to consider probation, in order to allow Petrash to pay back at least some of what he took and spent. Dillard stated that Petrash couldn’t pay back any substantial portion if he tried, based on his income and the fact that he had no savings to speak of and “nothing to show” for the $3.4 million taken from the Hurt’s. Dillard asked for a 60 year sentence. 

At 10:18 a.m. Wednesday Morning, the courtroom fell silent as Judge Jack Marr sentenced Petrash to three 40-year sentences, to run concurrently. One for Theft of Property >=$300k, and two counts of Forgery >=$150k<$300k – Elderly Individual. 

Petrash was remanded to the custody of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 

A booking photo was not immediately available from the Jackson County Sherrif’s Office.