TAMPA (WFLA) — An employee at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was arrested for stealing materials from his employer, officials announced Thursday.
On Jan. 31, 45-year-old Rodgers Ruiz was arrested for removing items from a storage room at the Falkenburg Road Jail, according to the sheriff’s office. Ruiz, who worked as a facilities technician, then reportedly took the stolen items and sold them to a metal recycling company for personal profit.
During the investigation, detectives found the stolen items amounted to around 210 pounds of copper and 183 pounds of yellow brass, and were estimated to be worth over $3,000.
“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.”
Ruiz is facing charges of false information on a pawnbroker form, grand theft in the third degree, and dealing in stolen property. Additional charges may come following the completion of the investigation.