OCSO: Florida men accused of trying to steal fuel in Orangeburg

FILE

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO)– Two Florida truckers have been arrested after they allegedly tried to steal thousand of dollars worth of fuel from a Five Chop Road gas station, according to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).

Orangeburg deputies said 54-year-old Juan Casanova-Brito and 26-year-old Carlos Casanova-Sanchez, both from Hialeah, Florida have each been charged with criminal conspiracy; breaking into motor vehicle or tanks, pumps where fuel lubricants are stored; malicious injury to personal property; and petit larceny.

The father and son duo was taken into custody on Wednesday night after deputies received a tip about fuel being stolen at a Five Chop Road gas station.

“This was quick work by my deputies for making these arrests,” Orangeburg County Sheriff said.

Both of the men were caught at the gas station attempting to fuel up an 18-wheeler, said investigators.

According to arrest warrants, the men manipulated the fuel pump to alter the flow of fuel resulting in a larger amount of fuel pumped than was billed.

OCSO deputies have been investigating similar fuel thefts dating back to November in which a total of more than 1,500 gallons of fuel had been stolen.

The fuel company informed the sheriff’s department of other thefts in Virginia and Newberry.

Sheriff Ravenell added, “We will be making contact with other law enforcement agencies across the state that have had similar cases in their areas.”

The sheriff said more charges against the Florida men are possible.