Sheriff says diesel thieves arrested after putting purloined fuel into gas-powered getaway vehicles

Three men were arrested in Lee County, Illinois, in connection with a diesel theft attempt that went awry after the stolen fuel was placed into two gas-powered vehicles.

On March 22, 2026, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) arrested Bryan Kettley, 26, and Codi Despain, 20, on the following charges:

• Criminal Damage to Government Property, a Class 4 Felony
• Theft of Government Property, a Class 4 Felony
• Theft Under $500.00, a Class A Misdemeanor

LCSO said that Kettley and Despain cut wires to a fuel tank and removed diesel fuel from the Nelson Township Building located in Dixon, Illinois.

“The diesel fuel was then placed into a gasoline-powered pickup truck and an ATV. When the truck became inoperable after being fueled with diesel, both individuals attempted to flee the scene on the ATV. The ATV also became inoperable and was abandoned a short distance from the scene,” LCSO said.

As part of the investigation, LCSO also arrested London Thomas, 22, for Obstructing Justice, a Class 4 Felony, after he was located near the abandoned ATV and is believed to have coordinated its removal to private property and its concealment, according to police.

All three individuals were booked into the Lee County Jail and later released in accordance with the Illinois SAFE-T Act.