Two Arrested For Stealing Copper Wire
Sheriff Lee Foster states two individuals have been arrested and charged with stealing copper wire from utility poles. The two are also charged with the theft of copper wire from a well pump from a church property.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office received a call on October 17 from an observant citizen who witnessed a suspicious male going to different utility poles along Old Whitmire Highway. The suspect’s appeared to be pulling something from the pole. When Deputies arrived in the area, the vehicle and male were not located. Upon inspecting the utility poles, it was discovered the copper grounding wire had been removed on about 30 poles.
Using information provided by the citizen, information was given out to area law enforcement officers. A short time later, a Deputy observed the described vehicle in the area of theft. The Deputy performed a traffic stop of the vehicle to continue the investigation. During the traffic stop, several rolled up balls of copper wire were discovered. In addition to the stolen wire the suspects had in their possession drugs and drug paraphernalia. Both suspects were arrested by Deputies and placed into the custody of the Newberry County Detention Center.
In a separate report filed on October 27 it was discovered that copper wiring had been removed from utility poles and a well pump for Beth Eden Lutheran Church.
Investigators were able to connect the theft to the two listed suspects that occurred on October 17.
Sheriff Lee Foster identified the following individuals and charges:
Michael Shannon White, 51, of 83 Adam Tesesnair Road in Newberry was charged for the 10/17/2021 incident with Simple Possession of Marijuana, Malicious Injury to Property, Petit Larceny, Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of tools used in a crime, and Obtaining Nonferrous Metals Disruption of Service to Critical Infrastructure. Michael White received a $9,615.00 Personal Recognizance Bond.
Bobbie Joe Bradshaw White, 49, of 1103 Saluda River Road in Silverstreet was charged for the 10/17/2021 incident with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Methamphetamine 1st Offense, and Criminal Conspiracy. Bobbie Joe White received a $6,500.00 Personal Recognizance Bond.
The two are awaiting bonds on the church theft.
Sheriff Foster said “the theft of precious metals has recently increased. Stealing copper from a utility pole is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous.” “Anyone that would steal from a Church is despicable. I am sure if they needed money to live, Church members would have helped them. We will pursue punishment as it exists through the courts.”
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Sheriff Lee Foster states two individuals have been arrested and charged with stealing copper wire from utility poles. The two are also charged with the theft of copper wire from a well pump from a church property.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office received a call on October 17 from an observant citizen who witnessed a suspicious male going to different utility poles along Old Whitmire Highway. The suspect’s appeared to be pulling something from the pole. When Deputies arrived in the area, the vehicle and male were not located. Upon inspecting the utility poles, it was discovered the copper grounding wire had been removed on about 30 poles.
Using information provided by the citizen, information was given out to area law enforcement officers. A short time later, a Deputy observed the described vehicle in the area of theft. The Deputy performed a traffic stop of the vehicle to continue the investigation. During the traffic stop, several rolled up balls of copper wire were discovered. In addition to the stolen wire the suspects had in their possession drugs and drug paraphernalia. Both suspects were arrested by Deputies and placed into the custody of the Newberry County Detention Center.
In a separate report filed on October 27 it was discovered that copper wiring had been removed from utility poles and a well pump for Beth Eden Lutheran Church.
Investigators were able to connect the theft to the two listed suspects that occurred on October 17.
Sheriff Lee Foster identified the following individuals and charges:
Michael Shannon White, 51, of 83 Adam Tesesnair Road in Newberry was charged for the 10/17/2021 incident with Simple Possession of Marijuana, Malicious Injury to Property, Petit Larceny, Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of tools used in a crime, and Obtaining Nonferrous Metals Disruption of Service to Critical Infrastructure. Michael White received a $9,615.00 Personal Recognizance Bond.
Bobbie Joe Bradshaw White, 49, of 1103 Saluda River Road in Silverstreet was charged for the 10/17/2021 incident with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Methamphetamine 1st Offense, and Criminal Conspiracy. Bobbie Joe White received a $6,500.00 Personal Recognizance Bond.
The two are awaiting bonds on the church theft.
Sheriff Foster said “the theft of precious metals has recently increased. Stealing copper from a utility pole is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous.” “Anyone that would steal from a Church is despicable. I am sure if they needed money to live, Church members would have helped them. We will pursue punishment as it exists through the courts.”
