In a surprising turn of events, Deonelky Tabares Cid, aged 36, from Tampa, Florida, has pleaded guilty to serious charges related to a multi-state gas pump skimming and fuel theft operation. This case involves multiple crimes, including aggravated identity theft and fraud, which have raised concerns about safety at gas stations and the security of our payment information.
How Cid and His Co-Conspirators Executed the Scheme
According to court documents, Cid was part of a group of people who worked together to install hidden devices known as skimmers on gas pumps at various gas stations. These skimmers secretly captured credit and debit card information from customers who were buying fuel. The group targeted gas stations in several states, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Northern Florida.
Once they had the stolen card information, Cid and his accomplices used it to create fake credit and debit cards. With these counterfeit cards, they could purchase large amounts of diesel fuel without paying for it. This illegal activity allowed them to take advantage of unsuspecting customers and gas stations.
To carry out their theft, the criminals used special vehicles equipped with a unique system called a fuel bladder. This system was designed to trick gas pumps. Instead of filling up the vehicle’s gas tank, the thieves pumped the stolen diesel fuel into the hidden bladder system. This clever method enabled them to hide the fuel they were stealing.
Law enforcement officials began to investigate the scheme by analyzing fuel purchases and tracking the movements of the vehicles used in the operation. They used video surveillance from gas stations and real-time tracking to follow Cid and his co-conspirators as they drove from one gas station to another in Northern Florida. Their investigation revealed how Cid and others were able to steal fuel repeatedly.
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The Consequences of Cid’s Actions
After pleading guilty, Cid faces serious penalties. The judge has not yet set a sentencing date, but he could be looking at a minimum of 2 years in federal prison just for the aggravated identity theft charge. Each count of wire fraud can lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years, while access device fraud can add up to 10 years for each count. The conspiracy charge itself could result in up to 5 years in prison.
In addition to prison time, Cid may also be required to pay restitution, which means he will have to compensate the victims for their losses caused by his fraudulent activities. This case serves as a warning to others about the consequences of engaging in similar criminal behavior.
Cid is not alone in this case. Several co-defendants have also been charged in connection with the gas pump skimming operation. These individuals include Luis Edel Trujillo Pena, 29, Deyvis Hernandez, 37, Luis Ernesto Vigil Ochoa, 32, and Isvaldo Guerra Perdomo, 38. They are all from Miami or Jacksonville and are scheduled to go to trial in January 2025. The upcoming trials will provide an opportunity for the legal system to address the roles these individuals played in the crime.
Investigative Efforts by Law Enforcement
This case was not a simple one. It involved the efforts of several law enforcement agencies working together to crack down on this criminal operation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Highway Patrol were among the agencies that contributed to the investigation. They collaborated with local law enforcement, such as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and federal entities like the U.S. General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service.
These agencies worked diligently to gather evidence against Cid and his co-conspirators. Their teamwork helped uncover the details of the operation and led to the successful prosecution of Cid, demonstrating how serious law enforcement takes crimes like gas pump skimming and fraud.
The guilty plea of Deonelky Tabares Cid highlights the growing problem of fraud in everyday activities, such as buying gas. While this case is currently unfolding, it serves as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and protect their personal information.
