FLORIDA – Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) have arrested four individuals while they attempted to tamper with gas pumps and steal fuel, the FDACS said in a press release.
“Our law enforcement investigators, officers, and partners are working hard every day to protect Florida consumers and businesses from theft and other fraud at gas stations across our state,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried.
“Whether individuals are trying to steal fuel like in these situations or credit card data with skimmers, know that our department will continue to crack down on crimes at our gas pumps.”
Background:
In late February and early March, FDACS OALE received information about fuel pump tampering at gas stations located in Lakeland and Lutz, Florida, leading to criminal investigations in collaboration with the Pasco and Polk county sheriff’s offices.
On March 10, investigators said they observed Yordian Diaz-Benitez using a pulser manipulation device to steal diesel fuel at a Circle K in Lutz, Florida, and on March 12, Marlon Rosel-Rodriguez was also allegedly observed attempting to install a pulser manipulation device at the same location.
Additionally, on March 12, investigators said they observed Yulier Garcia-Martinez and Rogelio Llerena attempting to steal fuel by installing a pulser manipulation device inside one of the pumps at a Circle K in Lakeland, Florida.
All four individuals were arrested and taken to jail on the following charges:
- Arrestee: Yordian Diaz-Benitez, Tampa, Florida
- Charges: Violation of Section 815.06 (3)(b)(2) Florida Statutes, Unauthorized access to Electronic Equipment; Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 806.13(1)(b)(3) Florida Statutes, Criminal Mischief, Interruption or Impairment to a business operation Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 316.80 (1) Florida Statutes, Unlawful conveyance of fuel; Third Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 316.80 (2) (b) Florida Statutes, Obtaining Fuel by Fraud; Unauthorized access to computer network; Second Degree Felony; 1 count.
- Arrestee: Marlon Rosel-Rodriguez, Tampa, Florida
- Charges: Violation of Section 815.06 (3)(b)(2) Florida Statutes, Unauthorized access to Electronic Equipment; Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 806.13(1)(b)(3) Florida Statutes, Criminal Mischief, Interruption or Impairment to a business operation; Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 320.26(1)(a) Florida Statutes, Counterfeiting of License Plate Validation Sticker; Third Degree Felony; 1 count.
- Arrestee: Yulier Garcia-Martinez, Orlando, Florida
- Charges: Violation of Section 815.06 (3)(b)(2) Florida Statutes, Unauthorized access to Electronic Equipment; Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 806.13(1)(b)(3) Florida Statutes, Criminal Mischief, Interruption or Impairment to a business operation; Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 316.80(1) Florida Statutes, Unlawful Conveyance of Fuel; Third Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 316.80(2) Florida Statutes, Obtain Fuel by Fraud; Third Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 817.034(4)(a)(3) Florida Statutes, Obtain Property by Fraud Less Than $20,000; Third Degree Felony; 1 count.
- Arrestee: Rogelio Llerena, Orlando, Florida
- Charges: Violation of Section 806.13(1)(b)(3) Florida Statutes, Criminal Mischief, Interruption or Impairment to a business operation; Second Degree Felony; 1 count. Violation of Section 815.06 (3)(b)(2) Florida Statutes, Unauthorized access to Electronic Equipment; Second Degree Felony; 1 count.
Garcia-Martinez was released on $13,000 bond, and Llerena was released on $6,000 bond.
The court dates and bonds for Diaz-Benitez and Rosel-Rodriguez will be set by the Pasco County Court.
