Two New York Men Connected to Stealing Cooking Oil from Fruitland Restaurant

FRUITLAND, Md. – The Fruitland Police Department has identified two men from New York in connection with stealing used cooking oil from a local restaurant.

Officers identified 25-year-olds Cesar Alfonso Ramirez Mendez of Staten Island and Elian Enrique Mendez Para of Long Island as being connected with a cooking oil theft from Monday morning. According to court documents obtained by WMDT, Ramirez Mendez was arrested on charges of theft valued between $100 and $1,500, second degree burglary, conspiracy to commit theft, and related charges; and was since released on a $5,000 unsecured personal bond. It is unknown whether Mendez Para has been arrested or charged at this time.

Image Courtesy of Fruitland Police Department

During the early morning hours of Monday, Jul. 27, Fruitland patrol officers performed a business check at a local restaurant. While in the area, police observed a white Ford van behind the business that was being used to syphon used cooking oil from the restaurant into a makeshift tank in the rear of the van. Officers also observed that the lock to the oil container ad been cut and a large amount of oil had been removed.

Officers believe it is likely that Ramirez Mendez and Mendez Para have committed the same theft in other restaurants on the Eastern Shore. Used cooking oil is often a target of theft due to its use in creating biodiesel, making it a commodity on the black market.

Authorities say the New York State Police have been warned of the ongoing scheme and have passed along the warning to restaurants in their jurisdiction. Establishments with used cooking oil vats or containers are encouraged to place security cameras near their systems.

Anyone who observes attempted cooking oil theft is encouraged to contact their local police.