The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) arrested a man who they believe was running a “sophisticated multi-state diesel fuel theft” operation.
At 2:20 a.m. on February 2, 2026, a DCSO deputy stopped a U-Haul van heading east on Highway 117 in Mentone, Alabama, near East River Road.
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While performing the traffic stop, the deputy discovered large tanks carrying roughly 600 gallons of diesel fuel packed incorrectly in the back of the van.
According to authorities, the U-Haul driver, Michel Alvarez, 42, of Los Angeles, California, did not have a CDL or any of the necessary paperwork or documentation to haul motor vehicle fuel in Alabama.
A search of the U-Haul vehicle turned found a bag containing electrical switches, wiring, remotes, and battery packs, “which raised suspicions when coupled with such a large amount of diesel fuel in close proximity.”
Other agencies, such as the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, the Mentone Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted with the investigation.
“Investigators later learned that Alvarez was conducting a sophisticated multi-state diesel fuel theft which consisted of illegally hijacking diesel pumps at truck stops across the country. Alvarez had traveled from New Jersey down the east coast gaining access to an unknown number of diesel fuel pumps to essentially “scam” the pumps into dispensing fuel without paying,” DCSO said.
Alvarez was arrested and charged with:
- Felony Unlawful Motor Vehicle Fuel Transport
- Receiving Stolen Property 1st
- Possession of Burglary Tools
The Department of Homeland Security was also contacted and will assist with the inquiry.
