In Miami-Dade County, authorities have apprehended a 34-year-old man accused of orchestrating a scheme to steal almost 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel from several 7-Eleven gas stations. The suspect employed a specially modified truck equipped with hidden tanks to siphon fuel without payment.
Identified as Andro Rodríguez-González, the suspect was taken into custody on Thursday. Although his nationality has not been disclosed, local reports highlight the intricate nature of his fuel-stealing operation.
The method involved using vehicles outfitted with concealed bladder tanks designed to store large quantities of fuel while tampering with the pumps. This allowed Rodríguez-González to fill up hundreds of gallons in one stop, according to the police report.
The stolen diesel would then be transferred to storage sites where it was moved into larger containers or tanker trucks.
The investigation gained momentum after a 7-Eleven investigator alerted police to a brown Dodge Ram 2500 linked to multiple incidents within the county. Surveillance footage identified the vehicle, leading authorities to Rodríguez-González, its registered owner.
Tracking the Suspect's Vehicle
The case was spearheaded by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office's Intelligence and Vice Squad, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol. A court order enabled investigators to place a tracking device on the truck on February 19, connecting it to several thefts over subsequent weeks.
Documented thefts include:
- February 7: 89 gallons valued at $320.40 and 69 gallons at $244.26
- February 10: 154 gallons for $531.30 and 118 gallons for $418.90
- February 11: 81 gallons for $281.07
- February 23: 118 gallons for $407.10
- February 24: 73 gallons for $251.85
- March 1: 105 gallons for $373.80
- March 4: 101 gallons for $444.40
- March 5: 42 gallons for $184.80
Altogether, authorities estimate Rodríguez-González illicitly obtained approximately 950 gallons of diesel, costing around $3,457.88.
Discovery of Evidence
Rodríguez-González was arrested at his residence. During the search of his truck, officers uncovered several modified fuel tanks hidden in the rear and within the vehicle, built to hold vast amounts of diesel. Additionally, two magnets were found, allegedly used to manipulate fuel dispensers to allow unauthorized dispensing without recording payment.
The charges against him include organized fraud, third-degree grand theft, retail fuel theft, and possession of a vehicle with an illegal tank.
Past Crimes and Ongoing Investigation
Beyond these charges, Rodríguez-González has a history of offenses, including possession of controlled substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine, based on court records. At the time of these fuel thefts, he was out on bail for a prior felony related to an organized fuel fraud and theft scheme.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine whether additional individuals were involved and if the stolen diesel was illegally sold on the black market.
Details on Fuel Theft Scheme in Miami-Dade
How was the fuel theft operation conducted?
The operation involved using vehicles with hidden bladder tanks to store large volumes of fuel while manipulating the pumps to dispense diesel without payment.
What charges does Rodríguez-González face?
He faces charges of organized fraud, third-degree grand theft, retail fuel theft, and possession of a vehicle with an illegal tank.