Magnets used to bypass diesel pumps in Northwest Florida theft scheme, investigators say

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Several arrests have now been made in connection to an organized diesel fuel theft scheme spanning multiple counties in Northwest Florida.

The defendants are:

  • Sergio Machin, 37, of Homestead, Fla. — arrested on Feb. 25 in Walton County. Released same day on $11,000 bond.
  • Elieser Perez, 31, of Miami, Fla. — arrested on Feb. 18 in Santa Rosa County. Released on Feb. 19 on $18,500 bond.
  • Sofiel Ferino, 55, of Miami Gardens, Fla. — arrested on Feb. 24 in Santa Rosa County. Released on Feb. 25 on $15,000 bond.
  • Alain De Jesus Aguila-Martinez, 26 — arrested on Feb. 8 in Escambia County. Released on Feb. 10 on $21,000 bond.
  • Sediel Carrazana, 35, of Hialeah, Fla. — info unknown

They are facing felony charges — one of which is for tampering with a fuel pump.

Agricultural investigators say four of the individuals in a Santa Rosa County case used strong magnets to manipulate fuel pump components. The magnets are a common method used for stealing fuel…

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