Man accused of stealing almost $3K in fuel from 7-Eleven gas stations across Lehigh Acres

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. —

A man is accused of stealing fuel and tampering with the fuel pumps of 7-Eleven gas stations across Lehigh Acres, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said.

According to an arrest report, officers with the FDCAS received a tip from a corporate investigator for 7-Eleven regarding suspected fuel theft and fuel pump tampering on March 12.

Surveillance video provided by 7-Eleven reportedly shows five incidents of fuel-stealing from two gas stations in Lehigh Acres, one on Sunshine Boulevard and another at Lee Boulevard.

At the 7-Eleven on Sunshine Boulevard, surveillance footage reportedly shows that on March 6, 162 gallons of fuel were stolen. On March 12, another 88 gallons were stolen, totaling up to $1,226.

The 7-Eleven on Lee Boulevard had its fuel stolen on three occasions, according to surveillance footage. It was hit on March 9, 10 and 12. A total of 337 gallons of fuel were reported stolen, totaling approximately $1,698.

In total, approximately 425 gallons of fuel were reported stolen, totaling up to almost $3,000.

When officers reviewed the video, they say the same white Ford Pickup truck was spotted at the time of these incidents. An inspection of the fuel pumps revealed a magnet on the fuel meter, which officers say interferes with the pump's metering system, allowing fuel to flow without properly registering the transaction.

When officers made contact with the owner of the truck, Adan Tamayo Rodriguez, 50, he reportedly admitted to the theft of the fuel and tampering of the gas pumps.

Rodriguez was arrested and charged with breach of retail fuel dispenser, possession of a device to alter retail fuel dispenser, breach or tamper with retail fuel dispenser and modify fuel tank for retail fuel theft.

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