Man charged with 160 gas thefts
With gas prices near all-time highs, a local man avoided paying through the nose at the pump by figuring out how to get free gas for over a year.
The problem with the plan reportedly used since April 2003 by Roy G. Reagan, 32, was that it was illegal. In fact, it’s a felony offense involving thousands of dollars worth of stolen gas. Reagan now faces the charge of theft over $1,000.
According to McMinnville Police Captain Bryan Denton, the situation began early last year when Reagan left employment with Communications Evolutions. At the time of his leaving, Reagan failed to turn in his company gas card. The card enables its holder to pump unlimited amounts of gasoline from a special station where the bearer inserts his card and fuels up.
The omission went undetected by the company until recently, when it was determined the gas bills the company was paying were higher than expected. A closer inspection revealed gas was being charged to Reagan’s old company gas account, with charges dating back as far as April 2003. In all, 160 unauthorized gas purchases were reportedly made by Reagan totaling an estimated $4,600.
While Reagan’s old card was being used, more was still needed to catch the former employee. It was at that point Reagan’s former employer secretly stationed a surveillance camera near the pumps, allegedly catching Reagan in the act of pumping gas.
Reagan will appear for arraignment June 22 in General Sessions Court.