Man accused of using ‘clone cards’ in multi-state scheme to steal over 8,000 gallons of diesel

Felony charges have been filed against a man accused of orchestrating a diesel fuel theft operation spanning multiple Midwestern states.

On May 12, 2026, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office in Missouri announced that Adrian Pena-Acevedo is facing Class D felony charges of Stealing and Receiving Stolen Property.

Authorities launched an investigation after Love’s Loss Prevention reported a 2016 Freightliner CB box truck actively stealing fuel at a Love’s Travel Stop on North Ameristar Drive in Kansas City.

The truck fled the truck stop before Kansas City police could arrive, but officers were able to locate the truck traveling on Highway 210 without a plate.

The driver of the Freightliner was identified as Pena-Acevedo, officials said.

Investigators determined that Pena-Acevedo used “clone cards” obtained by using skimming devices on fuel pumps to steal legitimate card information to steal diesel.

“Love’s Loss Prevention reported that this is part of a massive multi-state spree spanning Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, totaling a loss of 8,079.36 gallons of fuel valued at $35,327.60. The probable cause statement reads that within Clay County specifically, there was a loss of 924.759 gallons valued at $4,025.40,” said the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Fuel prices are high enough without criminal activity raising the cost for all of us,” says Prosecutor Zach Thompson. “You can protect your information by giving the card reader a tug to ensure it is not loose, being on the lookout for broken security seals, and shielding the keypad with your hand when entering a PIN,” added Thompson. Whenever possible, use tap-to-pay or mobile wallets which encrypt your data, or choose to pay the attendant inside to bypass external pump skimmers entirely. Community groups may contact our office to request a presentation about the most common types of scams and how to protect against them.”

Pena-Acevedo faces up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 on each of the felony charges.

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office is asking for public help in locating Pena-Acevedo now that an arrest warrant has been issued.

“The Court issued an arrest warrant and set the bond at $100,000. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts or his activities, please contact your local law enforcement agency,” officials said.