Multi-State Fuel Theft Suspect Arrested in Fort Payne
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into fuel theft.
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a U-HAUL van traveling eastbound on Highway 117 in Mentone near East River Road.
The deputy noticed the driver was hauling large tanks containing approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel stowed improperly within the rear of the van during the stop.
The driver was identified as Michel Alvarez, 42, of Los Angeles, California.
Alvarez did not possess a CDL or have any of the proper paperwork or documentation required to haul Motor Vehicle Fuel in the state of Alabama, according to the DCSO.
They say during a search of the vehicle, a bag containing electrical switches, wiring, remotes, and battery packs was found, which raised suspicions when coupled with such a large amount of diesel fuel in close proximit.
Investigators later learned that Alvarez was conducting a sophisticated multi-state diesel fuel theft which consisted of illegally hijacking diesel pumps at truck stops across the country, the DCSO says.
Alvarez had traveled from New Jersey down the east coast gaining access to an unknown number of diesel fuel pumps to essentially “scam” the pumps into dispensing fuel without paying, according to the DCSO.
Alvarez was arrested and charged with:
- Felony Unlawful Motor Vehicle Fuel Transport
- Receiving Stolen Property 1st
- Possession of Burglary Tools
This is an ongoing investigation.
