Man accused of using magnet to steal diesel fuel across the Gulf Coast
By Kyle Schmidt
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LEHIGH ACRES, Florida (WBBH) — The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement arrested a man accused of stealing diesel fuel from multiple gas stations across the Gulf Coast.
Investigators said Juan Reyes-Tellez reportedly stole diesel fuel 10 different times, including at a 7-Eleven off State Road 82 in Lehigh Acres. When he was caught and arrested on June 8, investigators said he was accused of stealing 261 gallons of fuel, totaling over $1,300.
“It must be the gas price, just the economy, everything is expensive now,” Micah Albert of Lehigh Acres said.
Investigators said Reyes-Tellez reportedly carried out the thefts by using a large magnet to manipulate the fuel dispenser, allowing him to fuel up without paying. According to the report, law enforcement found the device behind the driver’s seat of his semitruck.
“I’ve never heard of something like that happening. I know times are tough right now with the gas prices being what they are. I just think that’s crazy,” Jacqueline Nunez of Lehigh Acres said.
Investigators said the reported theft was caught on surveillance video.
Reyes-Tellez is facing charges of three counts of larceny and a moving traffic violation.
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