“Slippery Situation”: Two New York Men Charged After Deputies Allege Theft Of 120 Gallons Of Used Cooking Oil From Lusby Restaurant

LUSBY, Md. — Two New York men are facing criminal charges after Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies alleged they stole approximately 120 gallons of used cooking oil from a Lusby restaurant before a traffic stop led investigators to uncover evidence they say linked the pair to the theft.

Joel Rojas Felix, 26, of Yonkers, New York, and Miguel Jose Gonzalez, 35, of the Bronx, New York, were each charged in the District Court for Calvert County with fourth-degree burglary (theft) and theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 in connection with the June 28 incident. Felix also received a traffic citation for allegedly driving without a license.

According to charging documents, a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office corporal was patrolling the area of H.G. Trueman Road near Village Center Drive at approximately 2:20 a.m. on June 28 when he observed a white van traveling with no functioning rear registration plate light. Investigators also noted that lettering had been removed from the sides of the van, leaving visible outlines where markings had previously been displayed.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop after the van turned onto northbound Route 4.

Felix was identified as the driver. According to court documents, he told deputies he did not have a driver’s license and instead displayed a photograph of a New York identification card on his cellphone. A records check later confirmed Felix was not licensed to drive and had only been issued a New York identification card.

Gonzalez was identified as the front-seat passenger.

While speaking with Gonzalez, the deputy reported immediately noticing a large plastic intermediate bulk container, commonly known as an IBC tote, secured inside the cargo area of the van. Gonzalez allegedly told deputies the container was being used to transport cooking oil.

Both men agreed to speak with investigators after being advised of their Miranda rights.

According to charging documents, while deputies were waiting to enter the Calvert County Detention Center, Felix allegedly stated that “someone sells the oil” before invoking his right to remain silent.

Deputies also reported both men were sweating heavily and appeared to have cooking oil on their clothing and shoes.

The pair told investigators they had just left Salsa’s Mexican Cafe on H.G. Trueman Road and were attempting to enter a destination into their GPS before returning to New York. However, deputies reported the van had been observed less than one-tenth of a mile north of the restaurant, which investigators said was consistent with it having just departed the business.

Following the arrests, investigators searched the suspects and the van.

According to charging documents, deputies recovered three intermediate bulk containers commonly used to transport liquids, including cooking oil, along with numerous black nitrile gloves and a bottle of Dawn dish soap, which investigators believed had been used to handle and clean the oil.

Investigators stated that legitimate grease collection companies typically operate clearly marked commercial vehicles and carry documentation authorizing them to collect used cooking oil from restaurants. Deputies alleged Felix and Gonzalez were traveling in an unmarked white van and were unable to produce any work order, contract or other documentation authorizing them to remove used cooking oil from the restaurant.

Another deputy inspected the used cooking oil collection area at Salsa’s Mexican Cafe and reportedly found the gate open and the storage container lid unsecured. Fresh cooking oil was observed around the lid, which investigators said was consistent with the container having been accessed recently.

Deputies estimated the three recovered containers held approximately 40 gallons each, for an estimated total of 120 gallons of used cooking oil. Based on an estimated market value of $2.50 to $3.50 per gallon, investigators valued the recovered oil at between $300 and $420.

Authorities also seized Apple iPhones belonging to both men. According to charging documents, the phones were placed into Faraday bags to prevent remote access or alteration before being submitted into evidence pending further investigation. The van was impounded and towed to a secure sheriff’s office vehicle lot.

Court records show both men were arrested on June 28, 2026, but received different bond decisions following bail reviews before District Court Judge Michelle R. Saunders on June 29.

Felix was initially held without bond. Judge Saunders later set a $10,000 percentage bond, requiring a $1,000 cash deposit, which court records indicate was posted the same day.

Gonzalez remained held without bond following his bail review.

Both defendants are scheduled to stand trial on July 30, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

---