BRICK – A local man admitted to stealing a large number of tools from Amtrak and selling them.
Jose Rodriguez, 49, of Brick, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. He had previously been charged with one count of theft from an agency receiving federal funds and one count of theft of government property.
Rodriguez worked in the Amtrak facility in North Brunswick and was an employee since October 2007, most recently as a senior engineer and repairman.
From August 2016 through July 2020, Rodriguez stole 114 chainsaws, 122 chainsaw replacement bars, and 222 replacement chains from Amtrak, the total value of which was over $76,000. He sold the equipment either on an online auction service or directly to purchasers. Rodriguez used the U.S. Postal Service to mail the items to purchasers throughout the United States.
Since the reported stolen Amtrak chainsaws had serial numbers on them, agents were able to recover several chainsaws that Rodriguez sold.
The mail fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig credited detectives from Amtrak Police New York Division and Mid-Atlantic Division, under the direction of Chief Sam Dotson, and special agents from Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, Eastern Field Office.
