The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says it has arrested several people suspected of being part of a crime ring targeting copper within internet lines.
JSO said its SCRAP team has been working since October to track down the people who had been posing as utility workers to strip materials from the cables.
Initially, five arrests were made:
- Steven Midyette
- Van Arnold
- Darrick Rhoden
- Terry Thompson
- Donald Tyre
JSO said surveillance video, witness statements, and further investigation led them to arrest four more suspects:
- Archie Crook
- Corttney Kowalski
- James Bennett
- Leslie Bennett
Archie Crook is suspected to have been the “ring leader.”
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“When criminals steal fiber optic cables for copper, you risk losing your high-speed internet access. Plus, when utility companies have to replace stolen cables, guess who’s footing the bill? (You),” said JSO.
Police said the alleged thieves were targeting fiber optic cables, although they typically do not contain copper.
Stolen copper, tools, and illegal drugs were seized through the operation. Each suspect’s charges vary.
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