Las Vegas Men Arrested for Stealing Over 2,000 Gallons of Fuel in Arizona

Investigation Leads to Arrest of Fuel Theft Suspects

An investigation by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona resulted in the arrest of two individuals from Las Vegas, suspected of stealing more than 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel from multiple gas stations in Seligman on May 22.

Details of the Theft and Police Response

The case began when a gas station in Seligman reported a significant diesel fuel theft. Shortly after, another nearby station discovered a similar crime occurring the same evening. Combined, the two businesses faced a loss exceeding 2,000 gallons of diesel.

A deputy from the Sheriff’s Office spotted a suspicious U-Haul truck matching the description related to the theft. Upon inspection, diesel was noticed leaking from the truck’s cargo area onto the road. Following a trail of footprints from the spill, officers traced the suspects to a hotel room at the Aztec Motel.

With assistance from the Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, authorities apprehended two suspects: 37-year-old Dachel Roberto Michel Campos and 23-year-old Jesus Daniel Rodriguez Yordy, both residents of Las Vegas. Officials also suspect a third, unidentified individual was involved. Moreover, a black Ford F-650 flatbed truck reportedly fled the scene before police arrived.

A search of the U-Haul uncovered a rigged transport setup containing seven containers holding approximately 2,100 gallons of the stolen diesel. Law enforcement coordinated with the affected gas stations to safely recover the fuel.

Community Reaction and Impact on Local Businesses

The owner of a local general store shared that investigators swiftly found the suspects shortly after taking witness statements. The thieves allegedly stole nearly $7,000 worth of fuel while only paying about five dollars by manipulating the pump system.

Aztec Motel owner, Sebastian De Boorder, expressed concern over the incident’s effect on the motel’s business and the town’s reputation. He described it as a rare but impactful theft during difficult times, noting it was the first such event he had witnessed since opening his business. Despite this, he emphasized that the town remains a pleasant place overall.