ORLANDO, FL – A man in Florida has been apprehended by authorities on allegations of stealing gasoline worth over $9,000 from various Wawa outlets in Orange County last year. Yerrison Perez, the accused, was slapped with three charges of grand theft and a single count of scheme to defraud last Friday. Perez was also taken into custody on September 8 due to an active warrant.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) made the arrest announcement on Friday. Perez had previously been arrested by the Orlando Police Department on August 19, 2022, for a similar offense of fuel theft.
Authorities suspect that Perez pilfered gasoline from three different Wawa outlets between June 17, 2022, and July 7, 2022. The stolen fuel is estimated to be at least 1,300 gallons, amounting to a value of over $9,000.
The FDACS initiated an investigation into these puzzling fuel thefts last year. Video evidence played a crucial role in helping investigators identify Perez. According to a statement from FDACS, Perez was positively identified as the suspect through video evidence, business records, bank records, and other investigative techniques.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson lauded the arrest, stating it as proof of the successful collaboration between law enforcement agencies in apprehending criminals. He warned potential offenders of the consequences of fuel theft in the state.
Following his arrest, Perez was taken to Orange County Jail. FDACS reports that Perez is currently being held on unrelated charges. Further details about the incident remain undisclosed at this time.