Michael Shannon White
NEWBERRY COUNTY — Two individuals have recently 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, 2021, from a resident who witnessed a suspicious male going to different utility poles along Old Whitmire Highway, per the NCSO.
The NCSO stated that the suspect 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, they said.
Using information provided by the resident, 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, according to the NCSO. 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, 2021, 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, 2021.
Sheriff Lee Foster identified the following individuals and charges:
• Michael Shannon White, 51, of 83 Adam Tesesnair Road, Newberry was charged 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 personal recognizance bond.
• Bobbie Joe Bradshaw White, 49, of 1103 Saluda River Road, Silverstreet, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution of methamphetamine first offense and criminal conspiracy. Bobbie Joe white received a $6,500 personal recognizance bond.
The two are awaiting bonds on the church theft.
“The theft of precious metals has recently increased. Stealing copper from a utility pole is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “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.”