HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — Authorities have arrested seven individuals from across the U.S. in connection with a fuel theft operation targeting multiple Wiregrass gas stations, resulting in thousands of gallons of stolen diesel.
On April 24, Houston County deputies responded to a report of stolen diesel from the Hobo Pantry gas station on Ross Clark Circle in Dothan. Over 350 gallons, valued at $1,288, had been taken. Investigators quickly discovered similar thefts at Hobo Pantry locations in Headland and Eufaula, where an additional 1,200 and 2,142 gallons were stolen respectively — amounting to nearly $12,500 in total fuel losses.
According to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the stolen fuel was transported to a location outside of Atlanta using a U-Haul trailer, a black Ford truck, and an orange Dodge Ram.
During a press conference, Sheriff Donald Valenza said deputies located the Ford truck, U-Haul, and Dodge Ram at the same Dothan station where the initial theft occurred. While the Dodge fled, it was later tracked to a residence on Strathmore Avenue, where four more suspects were taken into custody.
In total, the following suspects were arrested:
Tamari Gooden, 26, Dacula, GA – Theft of Property 1st (No Bond)
Shawauna Gooden, 26, Dacula, GA – Theft of Property 1st (No Bond)
Jerek Davis, 27, Rex, GA – Theft of Property 1st, Receiving Stolen Property 2nd (No Bond)
Marlin Rucker, 26, Atlanta, GA – Theft of Property 1st (No Bond)
Roderick Pearson, 22, Stonecrest, GA – Controlled Substance and Marijuana Possession (Bond: $13,500)
Florrane James, 30, Baltimore, MD – Fugitive from Justice (No Bond)
Search warrants led to the discovery of six large-capacity fuel tanks, three electric fuel pumps, illegal drugs, electronic skimming devices, and three firearms — one of which was reported stolen in Georgia.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and may lead to further arrests.
