Utility Equipment Theft Prosecutions
Overview: Utility Equipment Theft
Utility equipment theft involves stealing electrical, water, gas, or telecommunications infrastructure, such as copper wiring, transformers, meters, or pipelines. This type of theft can disrupt public services, pose safety hazards, and result in significant economic losses.
Relevant legal frameworks include:
Federal Wire and Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§1341, 1343) – applies if stolen materials are sold or moved through mail or electronic communications.
Theft of Government or Utility Property (18 U.S.C. §666 and §1361) – covers theft from government-owned or federally regulated utilities.
State Criminal Statutes – typically include felony theft, burglary, and vandalism of utility infrastructure.
Scrap Metal Laws – many states require reporting for sale of metals like copper or aluminum, and violations are prosecutable.
Common types of utility equipment theft:
Copper wire theft from electrical grids or substations.
Theft of transformers, meters, or pumps.
Tampering with pipelines, street lights, or telecommunications lines.
Selling stolen equipment to scrap metal dealers or black markets.
Penalties include imprisonment, fines, and restitution to utility companies.
Notable Cases
1. United States v. Robert K. Smith (2012) – Copper Wire Theft
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Ohio
Summary: Smith stole copper wire from a local electric utility and sold it to scrap metal dealers.
Violation: Theft of utility property, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
Outcome: 3 years imprisonment; $150,000 restitution.
Significance: Demonstrated federal prosecution for theft of utility infrastructure affecting public services.
2. United States v. James L. Carter (2013) – Electrical Transformer Theft
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, New York
Summary: Carter removed and stole multiple electrical transformers from a power grid, causing temporary blackouts.
Violation: Theft of government property, mail fraud, and conspiracy.
Outcome: 4 years imprisonment; $200,000 restitution; barred from working with utilities.
Significance: Highlighted the severe impact of stealing high-voltage equipment and federal enforcement.
3. United States v. Copperline Crew (2015) – Organized Copper Theft Ring
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Texas
Summary: A gang systematically stole copper wiring from multiple substations, reselling the metal through intermediaries.
Violation: Wire fraud, mail fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property.
Outcome: Sentences ranged from 3–7 years; $1.5 million restitution; confiscation of vehicles and equipment.
Significance: Demonstrated prosecution of organized utility theft rings using federal statutes.
4. United States v. Maria Lopez (2016) – Water Pump and Equipment Theft
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, California
Summary: Lopez stole water pumps and irrigation equipment from municipal water facilities for resale.
Violation: Theft of government property and conspiracy.
Outcome: 30 months imprisonment; $120,000 restitution.
Significance: Showed federal authorities prosecute theft of critical infrastructure equipment beyond electrical utilities.
5. United States v. Anthony Rivera (2017) – Telecommunications Equipment Theft
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Florida
Summary: Rivera stole fiber-optic cables and telecommunications equipment from utility easements, causing service outages.
Violation: Wire fraud, mail fraud, theft of utility property.
Outcome: 4 years imprisonment; $300,000 restitution; permanent ban from telecommunications employment.
Significance: Highlighted prosecution of theft that affects communications and public services.
6. United States v. Electric Scrap LLC (2018) – Metal Scrap Facilitation
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Michigan
Summary: The company knowingly purchased stolen copper and transformers from utility thieves, laundering proceeds.
Violation: Conspiracy, interstate transportation of stolen property, wire fraud.
Outcome: Company fined $2 million; owner sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
Significance: Demonstrated liability for intermediaries facilitating utility theft.
7. United States v. Johnathan S. Adams (2019) – Pipeline Equipment Theft
Jurisdiction: Federal Court, Pennsylvania
Summary: Adams stole valves and piping from natural gas pipelines for resale, posing safety hazards.
Violation: Theft of utility property, mail and wire fraud.
Outcome: 6 years imprisonment; $500,000 restitution; forfeiture of equipment.
Significance: Showed that theft from energy infrastructure carries enhanced penalties due to public safety risks.
Key Takeaways
Infrastructure Theft is a Federal Priority: Theft of utility equipment affects public safety and is prosecuted under federal law.
Wire, Mail, and Interstate Transport Laws Apply: Criminal liability extends to electronic communication and resale channels.
Restitution and Asset Seizure Are Common: Courts require repayment and confiscation of stolen property or proceeds.
Organized Rings Receive Harsher Sentences: Groups stealing in coordination face multi-year prison terms.
Broad Scope of Utility Theft: Cases involve electricity, water, telecommunications, and energy pipelines.
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