Jail Employee Stole, Sold Items From Facility: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — An employee at Falkenburg Road Jail was arrested Wednesday for stealing and selling items from the facility, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Rodgers Ruiz, 45, a facilities technician at the jail, stole goods from a storage room and sold them to a metal recycling company for profit.

He took about 210 pounds of copper and 183 pounds of yellow brass, estimated to be worth more than $3,000, the sheriff’s office said.

Ruiz was charged with false information on a pawnbroker form, grand theft third degree and dealing in stolen property. There could be additional charges.

He started working for the sheriff’s office in November 2017 as a multi-trades worker and was promoted to facilities technician in January 2020.

Following the investigation, another facility technician was suspended without pay due to a violation of agency policy.

"This act of betrayal, by one of our own employees, isn't just about stealing goods; it is a violation of the very trust that binds this agency together," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Know this: there's no room for deceit here. No one, absolutely no one, will undermine our agency's dedication to serve and protect with integrity."