An alert from AT&T to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in December 2024 sparked a major investigation into what law enforcement is calling a “large-scale” copper theft operation affecting multiple counties in Northeast Florida. According to a news release from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, the telecommunications company reported extensive cable damage and widespread service outages, prompting authorities to dig deeper.
Detectives soon discovered a pattern of thefts targeting copper wiring from utility poles across Duval and Bradford counties. Using surveillance footage, license plate reader data, and physical evidence, investigators were able to track down the suspects and their vehicle, a 2006 Ford F-150.
Authorities say the suspects systematically cut copper wire from utility poles, processed it, and then sold it to scrap yards under false identities or misleading claims. The damage from the thefts is estimated to exceed $400,000, while the suspects allegedly earned only a small portion of that amount by selling the stolen copper for scrap, according to the sheriff’s office.
Arrested in connection with the case were Archie Crook, James Bennett, Leslie Bennett, and Corttney Kowalski. All four were booked into the Bradford County Jail and charged with Theft of Copper that Interferes with Communication Services, a first-degree felony.
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