Steamboat Springs, CO — Steamboat Springs Police arrested 41-year-old Victoriano Cayetano Leon on Friday, December 15, after he was caught allegedly stealing around 500 gallons of fuel worth more than $2,000 from the Pilot Flying J gas station.
This arrest marks the third fuel theft incident in the area this month, following two previous arrests on December 5. According to the police affidavit, officers received a tip from a nearby business employee who noticed a white Ford F-450 truck loading fuel for over an hour. When officers arrived at the scene, they questioned Leon, who claimed he needed 300 gallons to fill up a semi-truck that was broken down on the side of the road. He said he was heading to Silverthorne from Denver, but his story raised suspicion.
The officers noted that it should have only taken 15 minutes to fill up the truck with 300 gallons, but Leon had been there for over an hour. After receiving consent to search his vehicle, they discovered a court summons for 33-year-old Jose W. Cantoral Quixaj, who was linked to a separate fuel theft investigation.
Leon was arrested on charges of felony theft, conspiracy, third-degree burglary, and driving under a suspended or revoked license. He remains at the Routt County Detention Center, with a $7,500 bond set for his release. Police suspect these fuel thefts may be linked to organized crime and gangs, and further investigations are underway.
The Steamboat Springs Police Department has been dealing with similar fuel thefts in the area since August, with the issue being part of a wider nationwide trend.