This week two people from Clark County were indicted on 28-counts for allegedly stealing copper wire from lighting systems on two Interstate 64 interchanges and the Bluegrass Parkway and Mountain Parkway. Officials estimated 34,300 feet of wire had been cut and removed for sale to recyclers, and the repair cost will cost more than $116,000.
Both individuals have been charged with seven counts of theft by unlawful taking and seven counts of first-degree criminal mischief. One individual was also charged with 14 counts of being a persistent felony offender.
“Once again, the public is required to repair damage that far exceeds the value of the wire when it is sold for salvage,” KYTC Acting Secretary Mike Hancock says. “It’s a double loss to taxpayers because the cost of repairing vandalized highway lights takes away from other maintenance responsibilities of the Transportation Cabinet.”
KYTC pays the reward from maintenance funds and is “open to anyone who can provide the necessary information.” Individuals reporting the information can have their identities kept confidential.
The agency offers three ways to report copper wire theft:
- Call the Kentucky State Police hotline — 800-222-5555
- Call Mike Duncan, KYTC Office of Inspector General – 502-316-1982, or 501-564-0501
- Text to 67283, with KSPTIP in the message field, followed by a space and then details about the theft. The sender will receive an instant confirmation text. KYTC says texting is confidential.
