BRADENTON, Fla., June 3, 2026—The Florida Highway Patrol arrested a 24-year-old man for grand theft and possession of a controlled radiation device without a license Thursday.

Marco Antonio Benitez Jr., 34, was arrested on one count of grand theft $10,000-$20,000 and one count of possession of a control radiation device without a license.

The device, a moisture density gauge, is valued between $10,000 and $20,000. It is used to measure density and inner structure of material and carries an internal radiological isotope of caesium-137 or CS-137.

If damaged or improperly handled, it can expose individuals to radiation that could cause serious health issues.

Upon occasions, these devices have been sought for nefarious purposes. Only licensed operators are permitted to possess or use these devices through the Department of Health.

On May 26, FHP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence received a tip of a private party sale through Facebook Marketplace of the moisture density gauge. It was listed by Benitez.

Investigators made an offer to purchase the gauge from the seller located in Bradenton.

After failing to meet at the agreed time, state troopers went to Benitez’s residence and conducted a detection screening from outside the home which produced an industrial-level alert indicating the presence of radioactive material. 

Preventative Radiological Nuclear Detection Unit troopers located the item within the residence still intact with the radioactive source remaining undamaged.

The device was then taken into possession for evidence and safekeeping. Benitez was taken to jail.

Florida Highway Patrol news release