Man arrested again for stealing diesel for 2nd time in a month in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was busted for stealing diesel in his second arrest in a month, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to the area of Progress Boulevard and Falkenberg Road regarding a vehicle with a stolen Florida tag.

The driver, 26-year-old Jesus Alvarez-Moreno, reportedly had a strong diesel odor coming from the car, which had been modified to steal gasoline from underground fuel tanks.

Inside, deputies found a 300-gallon plastic cube container, with two 55-gallon plastic drums and car batteries. Two of those drums were filled with fuel.

Alvarez-Moreno, who was out on bond after having been arrested for the same crime on Aug. 23, is now facing charges including unlawful conveyance of fuel, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, attaching an unassigned tag, and not having a valid driver’s license, the sheriff’s office said.

“Law-abiding citizens trying to run businesses in our community are affected by these crimes,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This suspect has been caught stealing not once but twice and would have stolen more if not for our deputy’s swift response.”

This remains an ongoing investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.