A man from Spring Hill has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $600,000 worth of onions and potatoes.
Jason Canals, 39, faces eight counts of interstate transport of stolen property. Federal prosecutors said he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
According to authorities, Canals carried out multiple schemes targeting wholesale produce companies. He reportedly used a company’s name and email signature block without authorization to communicate with other firms ordering produce.
While shipments were en route, Canals allegedly diverted the produce to alternate locations and failed to pay the victim companies. In one instance, he reportedly provided false documents making it appear that payment had been made.
The total losses from these schemes, including the cost of produce and transportation, exceeded $600,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with federal prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer.
