HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Facilities Technician for stealing materials from the jail where he was employed.
According to investigators, on January 31, 2024, Rodgers Ruiz, 45, was arrested for unlawfully removing goods from a storage room within Falkenburg Road Jail.
Following the removal, Ruiz transported the stolen items and sold them to a metal recycling company for profit.
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Upon investigation, detectives determined that the stolen goods amounted to approximately 210 pounds of copper and 183 pounds of yellow brass, estimated at more than $3,000.00.
“This act of betrayal, by one of our own employees, isn’t just about stealing goods; it is a violation of the very trust that binds this agency together,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Know this: there’s no room for deceit here. No one, absolutely no one, will undermine our agency’s dedication to serve and protect with integrity.”