{"id":2534,"date":"2026-06-04T12:05:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=2534"},"modified":"2026-06-04T12:05:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:05:45","slug":"florida-man-arrested-trying-to-sell-stolen-radioactive-device-on-facebook-fhp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=2534","title":{"rendered":"Florida man arrested trying to sell stolen radioactive device on Facebook: FHP"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n article<\/span><\/div>

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol<\/span> <\/p> <\/div><\/div> <\/div>

BRADENTON, Fla.<\/strong> – <\/span>The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a man after an investigation into the theft of a Moisture Density Gauge, valued between $10,000 and $20,000.<\/p>

Read more Tampa school zone catches 6,000 speeders in 2 days as city weighs $100 camera fines<\/a><\/p>

FHP said it began an investigation on May 26, after FHP\u2019s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence (BCII) received a tip of a private party sale through Facebook Marketplace of the Moisture Density Gauge, which was listed by Marco Antonio Benitez Jr., 24 in Bradenton.<\/p>

What is a Moisture Density Gauge?<\/strong><\/h2>
<\/div>

A Moisture Density Gauge is a device used to measure the density and inner structure of material. It is usually used to determine moisture levels of soil and asphalt. The controlled device carries an internal radiological isotope of CS-137.<\/p>

If the device is damaged or handled improperly, it can potentially expose individuals to radiation that can cause serious health issues.<\/p>

FHP said these devices have occasionally been sought after for criminal purposes. Strict regulations have been established for the devices to prevent misuse. Due to the risk, only licensed operators are legally permitted to possess or use the devices through the Department of Health.<\/p>

Read more Support for same-sex marriage hits new low, poll shows<\/a><\/p>

What we know:<\/p>

Investigators then arranged a fake offer to purchase the gauge.\u00a0<\/p>

After Benitez Jr. failed to meet at the agreed time, State Troopers conducted a detection screening from outside Benitz\u2019s home, which produced an industrial-level alert of the presence of radioactive material.<\/p>

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol<\/span> <\/p> <\/div><\/div>

Troopers located the item in the residence, with the radioactive source remaining intact and undamaged, according to FHP.<\/p>

What they’re saying:<\/p>

“The Florida Highway Patrol is home to some of the most sophisticated and technically experienced criminal investigators. Our Radiological and Nuclear Detection State Troopers are a vital component to our public safety mission,” said\u00a0FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.\u00a0“Their efforts, along with the efforts of BCII and CIU Troopers, led to this important arrest and Florida is safer as a result.<\/p>

Benitez was arrested on May 28, and has been charged with grand theft, and one count of possession of a controlled radiation device without a license.\u00a0<\/p>

Read more Watch: Trooper performing traffic stop runs for cover after impaired driver rams into patrol car<\/a><\/p>

What we don’t know:<\/p>

It is unclear how Benitez got his hands on the gauge.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a man after an investigation into the theft of a Moisture Density Gauge, valued between $10,000 and $20,000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2531,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[7,8],"class_list":["post-2534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bradenton","category-crime-and-public-safety","tag-bradenton","tag-crime-and-public-safety"],"yoast_head":"\nFlorida man arrested trying to sell stolen radioactive device on Facebook: FHP - Tampa moving journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=2534\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Florida man arrested trying to sell stolen radioactive device on Facebook: FHP - 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