Las Vegas Man Jailed for Gas Pump Skimming Scheme

Danyer Manuel Alarcon Rodriguez, 23, of Las Vegas, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 61 months for running a high-volume skimming operation at gas stations across Nevada and California. The crime spree, which stretched from November 2018 to June 2019, involved the clandestine installation of 27 skimming devices on fuel pumps designed to vacuum up credit and debit card data from unsuspecting drivers.

Court documents reveal Alarcon Rodriguez was a central figure in a conspiracy that harvested at least 481 card numbers directly through the skimmers. But that was just the beginning. The crew, which included multiple co-conspirators, managed to obtain a staggering 3,120 stolen credit and debit card account numbers through coordinated fraud tactics. The financial fallout totaled at least $157,695.51 in documented losses.

After harvesting the data, Alarcon Rodriguez and his associates re-encoded the stolen information onto magnetic strips of counterfeit cards. These fake cards were then used to make unauthorized purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs, turning sensitive financial data into cold, hard loot. The operation spanned state lines and targeted busy fuel stations where drivers were least likely to notice tampered equipment.

In June 2021, Alarcon Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of use of an unauthorized access device, and one count of aggravated identity theft. On sentencing day, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey didn’t mince words, handing down the 61-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Alarcon Rodriguez to pay full restitution to the victims of the fraud.

He’s not the only one facing consequences. Francisco Rodriguez Gonzalez, 35, pleaded guilty in July 2021 and awaits sentencing in December 2021. Meanwhile, Juan Luis Sosa Tamayo, 32, and Adrian Leyva Tamayo, 32, are set to face a jury trial in July 2022, where they’ll battle the same charges in what federal prosecutors are calling a tightly organized criminal enterprise.

The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation, uncovering a network that exploited everyday routines for profit. Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service announced the outcome. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Schmale handled the prosecution, cementing another blow against organized financial crime in the Southwest.

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