Latest news with #ArchieCrook
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police bust 9 suspects in copper theft ring targeting internet cables
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.' >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] '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. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Four arrested in ‘large-scale' copper theft operation in Duval, Bradford counties
A call from AT&T to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office back in December 2024 prompted an investigation into what authorities called a 'large-scale' copper theft investigation. The company contacted JSO to report damaged cable wires and widespread service outages, according to a Bradford County Sheriff's Office news release. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'Detectives soon uncovered a pattern of copper theft involving utility poles in Duval and Bradford counties,' the release states. Through collaborative investigative efforts, including surveillance footage, tag reader data, and recovered physical evidence, law enforcement was able to identify the suspects and their vehicle — a 2006 Ford F-150." Authorities said the suspects would cut copper wire from poles, process it and then sell it to scrap yards under false pretenses. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Arrested were Archie Crook, James Bennett, Leslie Bennett, and Corttney Kowalski. Each were booked into the Bradford County Sheriff's Office on one count of Theft of Copper that Interferes with Communication Services, a first degree felony, the news release states. The suspects are accused to have caused more than $400,000 in damages across Northeast Florida, 'while profiting only a fraction of that amount from scrapped copper,' the news release states. Read: Over 700 grams of cocaine seized, man arrested as part of a Bradford County Sheriff's Office drug raid Read: Brunswick woman convicted in stabbing at 1 year old's birthday party Read: St. Johns County drug bust nets three arrests, 4 pounds meth, 5 pounds marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, gun [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
