Sheriff Reports Arrests After Diesel Thieves Put Fuel in Gas-Powered Vehicles
Three men face charges in Lee County, Illinois, following a diesel fuel theft from a government property that failed when the suspects attempted to use the stolen fuel in incompatible vehicles.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Bryan Kettley, 26, and Codi Despain, 20, both from Dixon, Illinois, on Sunday evening. The arrests stemmed from an investigation into a theft reported at the Nelson Township Building.
Deputies determined that Kettley and Despain stole diesel fuel from the property. They then placed the diesel into two gas-powered vehicles, including a pickup truck, in an attempt to flee the scene.
The vehicles stalled almost immediately. Diesel fuel is not compatible with gasoline engines, causing mechanical failure and preventing the getaway.
A third individual, identified as Thomas, was also arrested. He faces a charge of obstructing justice, classified as a Class 4 felony.
Kettley and Despain were taken to the Lee County Jail. Each faces charges of criminal damage to government property and theft of government property, both Class 4 felonies, along with theft under $500, a Class A misdemeanor.
- Criminal damage to government property: Class 4 felony
- Theft of government property: Class 4 felony
- Theft under $500: Class A misdemeanor (for Kettley and Despain)
- Obstructing justice: Class 4 felony (for Thomas)
Diesel theft represents a persistent challenge for truck drivers and fleet operators. Fuel at rest stops, truck stops, and public properties like township buildings serves as a critical resource for diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles.
Professional drivers often park rigs overnight at such locations, leaving fuel tanks vulnerable. Thieves target diesel for its higher value on the black market compared to gasoline, where a gallon can fetch premium prices when resold or diverted.
In this case, the theft occurred at the Nelson Township Building, a government facility likely maintaining equipment such as generators, maintenance trucks, or other diesel-powered machinery. Public properties store fuel for operational needs, making them attractive targets despite the risks.
The failed getaway highlights a basic but critical distinction in fuel types. Truck engines, typically compression-ignition diesels, require diesel fuel. Gasoline engines, used in most pickup trucks and cars, rely on spark-ignition systems incompatible with diesel.
Pouring diesel into a gas tank contaminates the fuel system, damages injectors, pumps, and cylinders, and often results in immediate engine seizure or no-start conditions. Recovery involves flushing the entire system, a costly repair that can exceed $1,000 for a standard vehicle.
For truckers, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance around fuel storage. Many drivers install fuel locks, dye detectors, or surveillance on their rigs to deter theft. Government properties may now review their own security measures following this event.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the suspects may be connected to a larger theft ring. Investigators are seeking information from the public on similar diesel thefts.
Incidents like this affect the trucking community directly. Stolen fuel drives up costs for replacement and repairs, while damaged equipment sidelines vehicles and delays hauls. In rural areas like Lee County, such thefts disrupt local services reliant on township resources.
Drivers encountering suspicious activity around fuel sources should report it promptly to local authorities. Awareness of common theft tactics—such as siphoning at night or using false trailers—helps protect assets across the industry.
Class 4 felonies in Illinois carry potential penalties of one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000. The misdemeanor charge adds up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Court proceedings will determine outcomes based on evidence presented.
This case serves as a reminder of diesel’s role as a lifeline for professional drivers. Secure storage and quick reporting remain essential defenses against theft in an industry where every gallon counts toward profitability and reliability.