Miami Man Arrested in Naples for Cooking Grease Oil Theft
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A Miami man is facing grand theft charges after being apprehended in Naples, Florida, for allegedly stealing cooking grease oil. Alexey Cuellar-Vega, 45, was arrested on Tuesday following an investigation into the theft of used cooking oil from behind a Roosters restaurant.
Details of the Arrest
According to the Naples Police Department’s arrest report, the initial encounter with Cuellar-vega occurred in the early hours of June 19th. Two officers stopped him as he drove away from behind a Roosters restaurant. A search of his vehicle revealed a gas-operated pump and two large containers filled with oil. While questioned,he was released at the time.
Did You Know? …
Used cooking oil is often resold to be processed into biodiesel, animal feed, or other industrial products, making it a target for theft. The biodiesel market alone was valued at over $40 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow considerably in the coming years [1].
Further investigation revealed surveillance footage of Cuellar-Vega allegedly stealing oil from a black container behind the restaurant. On June 24th, police responded to an alarm call at a local plaza and found Cuellar-Vega’s vehicle backed into an oil container.
Upon inspection, officers found Cuellar-Vega attempting to evade them. He claimed he was there to collect oil as part of his job, but he was subsequently arrested. A search of his van, conducted with his permission, revealed two 250-gallon containers, one of which was approximately two-thirds full, along with a pump covered in fresh oil.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Cuellar-Vega has been charged with larceny grand theft for an amount between $750 and $5,000. He was subsequently taken to the Naples Jail Center. The legal proceedings are ongoing. Grand theft charges in Florida depend on the value of the stolen goods, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment [2].
Pro Tip: …
Businesses should secure their used cooking oil containers and install surveillance systems to deter theft and aid in prosecution.
Summary of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 19 | Initial encounter with cuellar-Vega; vehicle searched. |
| June 24 | Cuellar-Vega arrested after alarm call. |
| Present | Cuellar-Vega faces grand theft charges. |
What are the potential environmental impacts of improperly disposed cooking oil?
How can restaurants better protect themselves from cooking oil theft?
Evergreen Insights: the Growing Problem of Cooking Oil Theft
The theft of used cooking oil is an increasing problem across the United States, driven by the rising value of the oil and its potential uses in biofuel production. Restaurants and other food service establishments are often targeted due to the ease of access to large quantities of used oil. This type of theft not only results in financial losses for businesses but can also lead to environmental concerns if the oil is improperly disposed of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Oil Theft
- What makes used cooking oil valuable?
- Used cooking oil can be processed into biodiesel, animal feed, and other industrial products, making it a valuable commodity.
- How can businesses prevent cooking oil theft?
- Businesses can secure their oil containers, install surveillance systems, and work with reputable recycling companies.
- What are the environmental concerns related to cooking oil theft?
- If stolen oil is improperly disposed of, it can contaminate soil and waterways, leading to environmental damage.
- What are the penalties for stealing cooking oil?
- Penalties vary depending on the value of the stolen oil and local laws, but can include fines and imprisonment.
- Is cooking oil theft a widespread problem?
- Yes, it is an increasing problem across the United States, notably in areas with high concentrations of restaurants.
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