Santa Rosa County Man Arrested for stealing Fuel

On December 17th, 2011, Escambia investigators arrested a long time employee (26 years) of Florida Rock and Tank Lines. Sheriff’s investigators say that 56 year old Dennis Lawson had been stealing diesel fuel from the business for over 2 years. The investigation showed that Lawson, had stolen approximately 54,884 gallons of diesel fuel, valued at $179,705.00.  Florida Rock and Tank Lines had noticed some discrepancies, and hired a private investigator. The case was then turned over to the Sheriff’s Office, where investigators later observed Lawson pump two 55 gallon drums full of diesel fuel. Investigators then followed Lawson to self-storage unit, where it was determined he was reselling the fuel at a lower cost. Investigators contacted the suspect where he was placed under arrest. Lawson was charged with first degree felony grand theft and has a $50,000.00 bond.  He has been released on bond.