PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) – Three people have been arrested after acquiring a deputy stealing diesel fuel at a gas station in Punta Gorda.
Deputies caught members of the statewide diesel fuel theft ring in the act just before midnight Monday, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies recognized multiple diesel fuel theft semi-trucks entering Charlotte County.
According to the CCSO, the agent positioned himself to intercept the semi-truck. They placed them at a RaceTrac gas station in Punta Gorda where they recorded the vehicle’s driver when they unlocked and operated the pump before dispensing the fuel.
Livan Andredo, 30, Christian Urquiza Valdes, 24, and Noel Lopez Carrasco, 32, were all arrested, and investigations showed that the pumps were operated using a pulsar mechanism.
Deputies say the device will prevent the pump from registering exactly how many gallons it has been dispensed, and the suspect is significantly less than its actual value.
During the investigation, lawmakers discovered that each truck had a hidden tank to store gas that was not connected to the vehicle’s fuel line.
Hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel had been stolen, according to the CCSO.
“It’s confusing that criminals are trying this kind of thing in Charlotte County and seeing how often we catch them. They shouldn’t follow social media. Many times, my deputies have stopped doing crimes, Information Sheriff Bill Plumel said.
CCSO is working with other agencies across the state on thefts related to this theft, which could include three suspects.
Additional charges may be obtained from other jurisdictions.
Andredo and Carrasco form a bond, and Valdez remains unconfined in the Charlotte County Jail. Valdez has an out-of-county warrant.
