At a time when the price at the pump is so high, Some customers in northeast nebraska have been deceived at the pumps.

For more than one year, one station owner and distributor have been involved in a gas scam, selling ethanol-blended gasoline at unleaded prices.

"The investigation showed about 300,000 gallons of gas were sold between Wiese's two stations, which are the Scribner Express and the Decatur Express," said Attorney General Jon Bruning.

Tuesday, Bruning's office filed charges against Tom Wiese and Tim Kaup.

"Our investigation found that the manager, Kaup, actively promoted the idea of selling ethanol-blended gas at unleaded prices to store owners. He went as far as to direct his truck drivers to put ethanol in the wrong tanks. Wiese took him up on it," said Bruning.

Wiese faces three counts of theft by deception, one count of criminal simulation, and one count of deceptive advertising.

Kaup is general manager of Sapp Bros. Distribution Center in West Point. He is charged with aiding and abetting Wiese on seven counts of theft by deception, one count of criminal simulation, and one count of deceptive advertising.

Bruning said it is unfortunate scams like this take place, especially with the state of today's economy.

"I've talked to dozens of convenience store owners. They all know it's an option. They also know it's illegal. It's a really easy way to make an extra dime a gallon. The vast majority of petroleum marketers and convenience store owners are law-abiding, and they're just as unhappy about this as joe nebraska, because they know it sullies the reputation of their industry," said Bruning.

Any gas that has more than 1% ethanol by volume, must legally be labeled as containing ethanol.

The two stations in question had 7.4 and 9.4% ethanol within.

Bruning said his office is investigating at least a dozen more stations across the state.

Wiese and Kaup are expected in Burt County Court on September 9.