Florida Man Goes Nuclear

Florida Man Goes Nuclear

A Florida man is under arrest after authorities say he tried to sell a stolen radioactive device on Facebook Marketplace.

Investigators say they got a tip about the listing in late May. The device — a “moisture density gauge” used in construction — contains a small amount of radioactive material and is strictly regulated. Troopers set up a meeting with the seller, but when he didn’t show, they went to his home. Using specialized equipment, they detected radiation from outside the house and later found the device inside. Officials say the equipment, worth up to $20,000, was still intact and safely recovered.

24‑year‑old Marco Antonio Benitez Jr. now faces charges including grand theft and illegal possession of a radiation device. Authorities say mishandling the device could have posed serious health risks, including radiation exposure. (WWSB-TV Sarasota)