A 45-year-old employee was arrested for theft at a Central Florida jail after stealing items and selling them for profit.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Facilities Technician for stealing materials from HCSO. 45-year-old Rodgers Ruiz was arrested for unlawfully removing goods from a storage room within Falkenburg Road Jail.
Following the removal, Ruiz transported the stolen items and sold them to a metal recycling company for profit.
Upon investigation, detectives determined that the stolen goods amounted to approximately 210 pounds of copper and 183 pounds of yellow brass, estimated at more than $3,000.00.
“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 Hillsborough County 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 joined HCSO in November 2017 as a multi-trades worker and was promoted to facilities technician in January 2020.
Ruiz is facing multiple charges, including:
- False Information on a Pawnbroker Form
- Grand Theft Third Degree
- Dealing in Stolen Property
Following Ruiz’s arrest and investigation, an additional facility technician has been suspended without pay due to a violation of agency policy.
This is an active investigation according to local law enforcement.
