A Spring Hill man is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he helped siphon off truckloads of onions and potatoes meant for wholesale buyers, leaving produce companies holding the bag for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The case, brought by prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida, centers on alleged interstate trafficking of stolen produce.
United States Attorney Gregory Kehoe announced that 39-year-old Jason Canals of Spring Hill was arrested on eight counts of interstate transport of stolen property. Prosecutors allege Canals used multiple schemes, including submitting orders in a company’s name with forged signature blocks, to divert truckloads to other locations and then never pay the sellers. The indictment puts the total losses to the victim companies at more than $600,000, and says Canals faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, as reported by Tampa Bay 28.
What the Federal Charge Means
Federal prosecutors typically use the charge of interstate transportation of stolen property when stolen goods cross state lines. The National Stolen Property Act and related provisions give the government authority to go after thefts that jump between jurisdictions. The Justice Department’s criminal resource manual explains how these statutes are applied to prosecute trafficking in stolen goods and to seek penalties and restitution for victims, according to the Justice Department.
Local Fallout and Next Steps
The indictment lists wholesale produce companies as victims and pegs their combined losses at more than $600,000. The case will move forward in federal court in the Middle District of Florida, where prosecutors can ask the judge to order restitution for the affected businesses, and Canals will face the penalties laid out in the indictment, according to Tampa Bay 28.
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