Dr. Pepper heist: 3 accused in scheme to steal and resell thousands of gallons of soda syrup

Josh Dulaney, The Oklahoman
·2 min read
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The Oklahoma County Courthouse is pictured in Oklahoma City, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
The Oklahoma County Courthouse is pictured in Oklahoma City, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

Three men are accused of scheming to steal Dr. Pepper syrup from an Oklahoma City warehouse and reselling it to a gas station.

Authorities say the alleged scheme led to more than $100,000 in stolen syrup — enough for many thousands of Dr. Pepper drinks.

About 11 p.m. on Oct. 19, a security guard at the Keurig Dr. Pepper facility in the 5200 block of SW 36 notified police that a man climbed the parking lot fence and entered the warehouse.

Responding officers found Jimmy Lee Robinson III, 32, outside warehouse doors. Robinson claimed he was exercising, according to the affidavit.

Two arrested were former employees of the Keurig Dr. Pepper facility in OKC

The regional manager of the facility told police Robinson was a former employee who quit in August. He said thefts had been a problem since May, with the main target "Dr. Pepper 5-Gallon Bag in a Box.” Each “bag in a box” is worth $98, and a pallet contains 40 boxes, according to the affidavit. Online statistics note that approximately 120 "Big Gulp" 32 oz size drinks can be made from one 5-gallon bag — that's 8,400 per pallet.

Robinson had a remote control to open the parking lot, but the manager said he changed out the remotes and started placing GPS trackers on the syrup boxes, according to the affidavit.

Trackers showed pallets being dropped off at a gas station in the 6200 block of NW 10.

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Robinson told police he started stealing the product while employed at the facility. He told police he stole 10 pallets, or about $39,200 worth of product, while still employed. He admitted to stealing two or three pallets a week after he quit.

Robinson told police he delivered the syrup to Duc Nguyen, 50, at the gas station in the 6200 block of NW 10. He claimed Nguyen paid him $50 for every box he delivered.

Also allegedly involved was Hector Archila-Rodas, 38, who police say texted Robinson about obtaining the syrup and getting money from Nguyen. Archila-Rodas was fired from the facility earlier this year, according to the affidavit.

In Oklahoma County District Court, Robinson faces felony charges of second-degree burglary, embezzlement and receiving, possessing or concealing stolen property. Nguyen is charged with receiving, possessing or concealing stolen property, and Archila-Rodas is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 3 accused in scheme to steal Dr. Pepper syrup from OKC facility, resell