Two men are in custody and facing charges after Raleigh investigators say they stole between 3,000 and 4,000 gallons of fuel.
Investigators say Yanquier Miret-Martinez, 33, and Lazaro Lesmo-Sanchez, 32 worked together to use a device that manipulated the fuel pump, allowing them to pump diesel fuel without paying.
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Raleigh police were notified on Nov. 5, 2025, to a series of thefts totaling $14,000 from Refuel at the intersection of Lynn Road and Hilburn Drive. The investigation found gas was repeatedly stolen from the station between late September through mid-January 2026, according to police.
The investigation revealed Miret-Martinez and Lesmo-Sanchez allegedly pulled up to the gas pumps with modified box trucks that had concealed storage tanks, which is how investigators say they would collect and transport the stolen fuel.
On Jan.13, investigators searched the suspects' white 200 Ford Super Duty Box truck and seized electronic devices police say the men used to communicate with co-conspirators before, during and after the crimes, according to the search warrant. Investigators also collected fuel tanks, canisters and devices used to pump and store the fuel, tools used to modify, manipulate and damage the fuel pumps, documents or ledgers of sales or transfer of fuel and identification papers, the search warrant said.
Miret-Martinez is charged with felony larceny and conspiracy. Lesmo-Sanchez is charged with felony organized retail theft and misdemeanor larceny.
Raleigh police do not believe the pair stole gas from any other local gas station. However, in a release, they say, "There is a possibility this type of criminal activity has been spreading informally through word of mouth and may be occurring in other parts of the country."