Diesel Thieves Caught After Fueling Gas Vehicles with Stolen Fuel

Key Details Three men were arrested in Lee County, Illinois on March 22, 2026 after a diesel theft scheme fell apart. Bryan Kettley, 26, and Codi Despain, 20 cut wires to a fuel tank at the Nelson Township Building in Dixon and stole diesel fuel. The Critical Mistake The thieves made a rookie error by pouring the stolen diesel into two gasoline-powered vehicles - a pickup truck and an ATV. The truck immediately became inoperable after running on diesel, forcing both men to flee on the ATV instead. The ATV also broke down shortly after, leaving them stranded. Why It Matters London Thomas, 22, was arrested for Obstructing Justice after allegedly helping move and hide the abandoned ATV on private property. All three were booked into Lee County Jail but later released under the Illinois SAFE-T Act. This case highlights how fuel theft remains a problem in rural areas, but also shows how criminals often lack basic mechanical knowledge. Drivers should remain vigilant about securing fuel tanks and reporting suspicious activity around equipment.