LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Two people have been charged after allegedly stealing over $100,000 worth of diesel fuel.
Rafael Payamps-Valerio, 28, from Corona, NY, was charged with theft by unlawful taking after officers investigated a theft of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, according to the East Cocalico Township Police Department.
Gilce Matista-Garcia, 25, from Reading was also charged with theft by unlawful taking following an investigation by police.
Between July and September of 2022, the listed suspects, along with an additional, unnamed suspect, allegedly manipulated the gas pumps at Redner's Market, located at 1304 North Reading Road.
According to police, the defendants pumped $138,600 worth of diesel fuel into a large storage container in the back of his van.
The investigation led to officers obtaining three arrest warrants.
Payamps-Valerio and Matista-Garcia were reportedly notified of an outstanding warrant and turned themselves in at District Court. They have both been released on $25,000 unsecured bail.
