Bradenton, Florida — A Florida man is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he attempted to sell a stolen radioactive device on Facebook Marketplace, prompting a specialized investigation involving radiation detection experts and undercover investigators.
Officials say the stolen equipment contained radioactive material that could have posed serious health risks if damaged or improperly handled.
Facebook Marketplace Listing Sparks Investigation
According to authorities, the investigation began on May 26 when the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence received information regarding a suspicious online sale.
Investigators identified the seller as 24-year-old Marco Antonio Benitez Jr., who was allegedly attempting to sell a stolen moisture density gauge through Facebook Marketplace.
The specialized equipment is reportedly valued between $10,000 and $20,000 and is commonly used in construction projects to analyze soil and asphalt density.
Because the device contained radioactive material, authorities treated the case as a significant public safety concern.
Radioactive Material Raised Serious Concerns
Officials said the moisture density gauge contained Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope used in industrial and construction applications.
Authorities warned that while the device is considered safe when properly maintained and secured, any damage or improper handling could potentially expose individuals to harmful radiation.
Investigators emphasized that unauthorized possession of such equipment creates serious risks because only trained and licensed operators are legally permitted to handle it.
Under Florida law, possession and operation of these devices require authorization through the Florida Department of Health.
Undercover Operation Leads Investigators to Home
According to authorities, investigators arranged an undercover purchase in an effort to recover the stolen equipment.
However, officials said Benitez allegedly failed to appear at the scheduled meeting location. As a result, investigators traveled directly to his residence in Bradenton to continue the investigation.
Before entering the property, specialized troopers used radiation detection equipment to scan the area from outside the home.
Officials said the equipment immediately detected the presence of radioactive material.
Radiation Detection Unit Finds Device Inside House
Authorities reported that members of the FHP Preventive Radiological Nuclear Detection Unit responded to the scene and located the stolen device inside the residence.
Investigators confirmed the radioactive source remained intact and had not been tampered with. The equipment was safely secured and removed from the property as evidence.
Officials stressed that the quick recovery prevented the possibility of accidental exposure if the device had fallen into the wrong hands or been damaged during transport.
Officials Praise Specialized Troopers
Following the arrest, state officials commended the efforts of the specialized investigators involved in the case.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is home to some of the most sophisticated and technically experienced criminal investigators,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Kerner also highlighted the role played by the agency’s radiation detection experts.
“Our Radiological and Nuclear Detection State Troopers are a vital component to our public safety mission.”
He added that the successful collaboration among multiple investigative units helped ensure the device was safely recovered.
“Florida is safer as a result.”
Benitez was arrested and charged with grand theft and illegal possession of a controlled radiation device without a license.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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