A former petroleum industry worker near has been accused of stealing gas by using a key to open up the gas pump and punch in a code to activate the machine’s maintenance mode, The Jamestown Sun in Jamestown, N.D., reported.
Authorities say Roger Smith Jr., of Fargo, has been charged with misdemeanor theft for the incidents, which all occurred at least four times last month at a convenience store near Moorhead, Minn., the newspaper reported.
Prosecutor Jenny Samarzja said Smith, 40, used his knowledge from the industry to use a code that switched the pump to a maintenance mode, which allowed him to pump gas without paying.
He faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. His first court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 3.