Attorney General James Uthmeier and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the results of Operation Van Diesel, an investigation that led to the arrest of members of a theft ring accused of stealing large amounts of diesel fuel from gas stations in at least twelve Florida counties. The group is believed to have stolen more than $400,000 worth of fuel using modified vans capable of holding up to 500 gallons each.
According to law enforcement officials, ten people have been arrested so far. Seven are reported as illegal aliens, six of whom were paroled into the country under the Biden administration. Three others are green card holders who could face immigration consequences if convicted. Four defendants also face money laundering charges related to proceeds over $100,000. Prosecutors say sentencing for these crimes could reach up to 90 years in prison.
Attorney General Uthmeier stated, “Joe Biden opened our borders, sanctuary states offered incentives for illegal immigration, and they put Americans at risk. The majority of this group of criminal aliens were let into the country under the Biden administration, and the effects are widespread. Accountability is coming for these sanctuary policies putting Floridians at risk, which is why I also issued a criminal subpoena to the employer of the illegal alien truck driver who killed three in St Lucie County and sent a list of legal demands to Washington and California.”
Sheriff Chronister added: “Fuel theft of this magnitude puts drivers at risk, undermines the integrity of our fuel supply, and robs businesses in our communities. To those who think organized crime can go undetected, let this case be a reminder: we are watching, we are working together, and we will hold you accountable.”
The investigation remains ongoing with further arrests possible. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case.
In addition to these arrests, Attorney General Uthmeier announced legal actions linked to a separate incident involving Harjinder Singh—an illegal alien commercial truck driver employed by White Hawk Carriers out of Ceres, California—who caused a fatal crash on August 12 near Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County after making an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike. Singh’s trailer jackknifed across northbound lanes resulting in a collision that killed three people inside a minivan. Singh has been charged with three counts each of manslaughter and vehicular homicide; he was extradited to St. Lucie County Jail where bond was denied.
Legal demands were sent by Uthmeier’s office to both California and Washington regarding their roles in issuing Singh’s commercial driver’s license.
