A months-long investigation into stolen telecommunications wire in Mingo County has led to two arrests.
According to the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph Maynard and Tara Dempsey were taken into custody on charges of attempting to deliver stolen property.
Deputies and troopers executed a search at Big Frank’s Salvage Yard in Williamson, where they seized roughly 3,500 pounds of illegally obtained wire and more than $10,000 in cash.
While officers were on scene, a truck loaded with copper wire reportedly tried to enter the yard, prompting a traffic stop that resulted in the arrests.
Investigators say undercover operations helped uncover the scheme, and additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.