Jersey man released twice after arrests in fuel theft investigation

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SCHODACK – An Elizabeth, New Jersey man was arrested on Monday by State Police in Schodack on felony charges, has been released on his own recognizance.

Yandi Martinez, 35, was arrested for 104 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, grand larceny, and scheme to defraud.

The investigation began last summer when Martinez was arrested on June 22, 2022 for purchasing large amounts of diesel fuel purchased with stolen credit card information.

He was located at a Stewarts Shop on Route 20 in Schodack where he had been pumping fuel for three hours, purchasing over $3,000 of fuel. It was discovered the vehicle he was driving had a hidden fuel tank. The registration on the vehicle was also determined to be fraudulent.

He was arrested for criminal possession of a forged instrument, vehicle and traffic violations, processed and released on an appearance ticket.

The vehicle was impounded.

That’s when a warrant search of the vehicle found 104 gift cards hidden inside. They were stolen or fraudulent with credit card information not belonging to Martinez. He had also purchased fuel on January 9 using stolen credit card information.

He was arrested the second time, processed at Schodack Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

State Police said Martinez has a history of similar crimes and was arrested on September 15, 2022 by Troop F State Police from the Highland barracks for two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and petit larceny following a theft of fuel.

Troopers said Martinez and associates are suspected of several additional thefts being investigated in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

 

 




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