A Florida suspect stole a radioactive device to sell on Facebook, police say
A Bradenton man faces felony charges after Florida Highway Patrol investigators recovered a stolen moisture density gauge containing a radioactive isotope from his home.
Marco Antonio Benitez Jr., 24, was arrested May 28 and charged with grand theft and possession of a controlled radiation device without a license after investigators recovered the gauge, valued between $10,000 and $20,000, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The investigation began a few days earlier after investigators received a tip that Benitez had listed the stolen gauge for sale on Facebook Marketplace, troopers said.
According to FHP, the device contains an internal radioactive isotope known as cesium-137.
The gauge is commonly used to measure the density and internal structure of materials and is often used to determine moisture levels in soil and asphalt, according to FHP. Troopers said the equipment can expose people to radiation if damaged or improperly handled. Because it contains radioactive material, the device is subject to strict state regulations and may only be possessed or operated by licensed individuals.
Troopers arrange undercover purchase, FHP says
Investigators arranged to purchase the gauge from the seller in Bradenton, according to a news release. After the seller failed to appear at the agreed meeting location, troopers went to Benitez’s residence and conducted a radiation detection screening from outside the home.
The screening produced what FHP described as an “industrial-level alert indicating the presence of radioactive material.”
Troopers located the gauge inside the residence and determined the radioactive source remained intact and undamaged, according to a news release. Authorities took possession of the device for evidence and safekeeping.
“Their efforts, along with the efforts of BCII and CIU Troopers, led to this important arrest and Florida is safer as a result,” Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said in a written statement.
The investigation involved members of FHP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence, Criminal Interdiction Unit and Preventative Radiological Nuclear Detection unit.
Manatee County jail records show Benitez was booked and released the same day on $5,000 bond.
No injuries were reported.
