Hessmer Man Arrested in AT&T Copper Wire Theft Investigation

A Hessmer man has been arrested following an investigation into multiple thefts of AT&T copper wire in the Echo-Poland area near LA-1 South according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s detectives investigated a series of incidents in which suspects cut telephone service lines from utility poles causing poles to break and interrupting phone service to local residents and a nearby school.

Investigators said suspects repeatedly left behind tools and clothing used during the thefts which were collected and submitted for DNA analysis.

Authorities also discovered piles of aluminum sheathing and wire discarded along railroad tracks in the area.

Deputies said the debris posed a safety hazard and threatened the safe operation of Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railroad trains.

RPSO estimates that approximately $100,000 worth of copper wire was stolen over the course of a week with more than $30,000 in damage caused to AT&T property.

On Jan. 14, an operation involving deputies from the Crime Suppression Unit, Patrol-Resident Deputy Division, RADE K-9, and Special Operations was conducted to locate the suspects.

Around midnight deputies observed a white Ford F-150 arrive in the area of the thefts. When deputies attempted to make contact the driver turned off the vehicle’s lights and fled.

After a pursuit the vehicle was intercepted near Lamourie Road and LA-457.

The driver identified as Curry Michael Cooper Jr., 39, of Hessmer was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

With assistance from detectives from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office RPSO detectives obtained a search warrant for Cooper’s residence in Hessmer. During the search deputies recovered leftover wire sheathing, aluminum, cutting tools, wire strippers, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Cooper was booked on the following charges: - Three counts of Trespassing/Remaining After Forbidden - Three counts of Criminal Damage greater than $1,000 and less than $50,000 - Three counts of Theft greater than $5,000 and less than $25,000

At the time of the release Cooper was being held on a $30,500 bond. Additional charges from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office are pending.

Sheriff’s detectives said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ronald Dye at the Criminal Investigations Division at 318-473-6700, the RPSO main office at 318-473-6700, or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.