Stolen Radioactive Gauge Listed For Sale On Facebook Leads To Bradenton Man’s Arrest

BRADENTON, FL — A Bradenton man was arrested on May 28 after he listed a stolen radioactive moisture density gauge for sale on Facebook Marketplace, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Marco Antonio Benitez Jr., 24, was charged with one count of grand theft $10,000 to $20,000 and one count of possession of a controlled radiation device without a license.

The device contains an internal radiological isotope of CS-137, the agency said.

The gauge is used to measure the density and inner structure of material, usually for soil and asphalt moisture testing.

The agency said the device can expose people to radiation if it is damaged or improperly handled, which may cause serious health issues. Only licensed operators are legally permitted to possess or use the devices through the Department of Health.

The investigation began May 26 and involved FHP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence (BCII), Criminal Interdiction Unit and Preventative Radiological Nuclear Detection (PRND) unit.

BCII received a tip about a private-party Facebook Marketplace sale of the moisture density gauge and identified Benitez as the seller, the agency said.

Investigators arranged to buy the device from him in Bradenton. After Benitez didn’t meet at the agreed time, state troopers went to Benitez’s home and conducted a detection screening from the street, the agency said.

The screening produced an industrial-level alert indicating radioactive material was present.

PRND troopers then found the item inside the home, still intact and with the radioactive source undamaged, FHP said.

The device was taken into possession by the agency for evidence and safekeeping.

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