Pair accused of using device to steal gas at pump

[July 30, 2009]  Marianna, Fla. (AP) -- Police said two people were arrested for using an electronic device to disable fuel pump computers at a north Florida gasoline station and pump gas without paying.

Officials said Earnesto Diaz, 40, of Miami, and Maria Flores, 36, were apprehended Tuesday.

Authorities said Diaz entered a code that disabled the inside desk monitor and then pumped more than $100 of fuel into his semi-truck. Authorities say Flores acted as a lookout.

Police said the device caused more than $5,000 in damages to the pumps.

A jail official said Diaz and Flores are each charged with grand theft and retail theft. They are being held at the Jackson County Correctional Facility without bond. Their first court appearance is Wednesday.

It wasn't immediately known if they had lawyers.

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Information from: The Panama City News-Herald, http://www.newsherald.com/

[Associated Press]

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