Man accused of using magnet to steal nearly $450 in diesel fuel
Raul Prieto was arrested by Sanford Police after investigators say he used a magnet to bypass a gas station’s diesel pump security system and steal nearly 83 gallons of fuel.
According to the arrest report, a station employee told officers the suspect placed a round magnet beneath the diesel pump, which allegedly triggered an internal valve and allowed fuel to dispense freely without payment. Officers said they located the magnet exactly where the employee indicated.
The station’s diesel dispense records showed approximately 82.58 gallons missing from the last paid transaction tied to the incident. At an estimated $5.39 per gallon, police calculated the loss at $445.83.
Investigators said the suspect’s vehicle was equipped with expansion fuel tanks, and during an inventory search before towing, officers found a fuel transfer pump and hoses in the back seat, which police said could be used to move fuel from the added tanks.
Police collected the magnet as evidence, obtained surveillance footage, and transported Raul to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility otherwise knows as the Seminole County Jail on theft-related charges.
