Copper Wire Theft Criminal Cases
1. United States v. Carlos Ramirez (2015)
Facts:
Carlos Ramirez was caught stealing copper wire from a utility company’s electrical substation. The theft caused power outages affecting thousands of customers.
Legal Issues:
Charges included theft of government property and interference with critical infrastructure.
Whether Ramirez acted knowingly to cause harm or disruption.
Outcome:
Ramirez was convicted and sentenced to prison for theft and damage to public utilities.
Significance:
Reinforced that copper wire theft affecting critical infrastructure is prosecuted seriously under federal law.
Emphasized public safety risks as aggravating factors.
2. State of California v. James Collins (2017)
Facts:
James Collins was arrested multiple times for stealing copper wiring from railroad signaling equipment.
Legal Issues:
Theft of copper wire impacting railroad safety systems.
Repeat offender status enhanced penalties.
Outcome:
Collins was convicted under criminal theft and public safety endangerment statutes, receiving an extended sentence due to prior offenses.
Significance:
Showed how repeat offenders are penalized more harshly.
Highlighted the danger copper theft poses to transportation safety.
3. United States v. Daniel Thompson (2018)
Facts:
Daniel Thompson was part of a ring that stole copper wire from telecommunications infrastructure.
Legal Issues:
Organized criminal activity involving copper wire theft.
Charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods.
Outcome:
Convicted on conspiracy and theft charges, Thompson received a multi-year sentence.
Significance:
Prosecutors use conspiracy laws to dismantle organized theft rings.
Federal jurisdiction applies when stolen goods cross state lines.
4. State of New York v. Luis Hernandez (2019)
Facts:
Luis Hernandez was caught stealing copper wire from electrical utility poles in New York.
Legal Issues:
Theft and criminal mischief.
Liability for the costs of repair and damages.
Outcome:
Hernandez was convicted and ordered to pay restitution to the utility company in addition to prison time.
Significance:
Restitution orders hold thieves financially responsible for repair costs.
Emphasizes victim compensation in theft cases.
5. United States v. Robert Matthews (2020)
Facts:
Robert Matthews was arrested for stealing copper wire from a military base.
Legal Issues:
Theft of government property on a military installation.
National security concerns elevated charges.
Outcome:
Matthews was prosecuted under federal law and sentenced to significant prison time.
Significance:
Theft from government/military property carries enhanced penalties.
Reflects intersection of theft and national security laws.
6. State of Texas v. Anthony Johnson (2021)
Facts:
Anthony Johnson was apprehended for stealing copper wire from an oil refinery’s electrical systems.
Legal Issues:
Theft with potential risk of industrial accidents.
Charges included theft and reckless endangerment.
Outcome:
Johnson was convicted and sentenced to both prison and fines.
Significance:
Addresses the industrial safety risks tied to copper wire theft.
Courts consider public safety consequences in sentencing.
Summary Table
| Case | Key Issue | Outcome | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. v. Carlos Ramirez | Utility substation copper theft | Conviction and prison | Critical infrastructure protection |
| CA v. James Collins | Railroad signaling equipment theft | Conviction, extended sentence | Repeat offender penalties |
| U.S. v. Daniel Thompson | Organized theft ring | Conspiracy and theft conviction | Tackling organized crime |
| NY v. Luis Hernandez | Utility pole theft and damages | Conviction + restitution order | Victim compensation emphasis |
| U.S. v. Robert Matthews | Military base copper theft | Federal prosecution, prison time | National security impact |
| TX v. Anthony Johnson | Industrial refinery copper theft | Conviction, prison, fines | Public safety & industrial risk |
Legal & Practical Takeaways:
Copper wire theft is prosecuted aggressively due to its impact on public safety, infrastructure, and economy.
Cases often involve theft, criminal mischief, and sometimes conspiracy or national security charges.
Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties.
Courts may order restitution to compensate utility companies or victims.
Federal jurisdiction can apply when theft involves government property or interstate activities.
RELATED Blog
0 comments