Five Sylva residents are facing a long list of charges after being accused of stealing copper wire from a local telecommunications company in an attempt to make quick cash.
According to Sylva Police, the thefts had been occurring over a period of several months before an employee at Frontier Communications noticed irregularities and reported them. The report triggered an investigation that led to multiple arrests.
Investigators say the group targeted Frontier’s facility on Dillsboro Road, breaking in and cutting wire from large reels. The stolen copper was then sold to a local recycling business.
Tashana Star Ward, 40, is facing numerous felony charges, including possession of stolen goods, breaking and entering, larceny, conspiracy, and altering serial numbers. She is accused of stealing nearly $1,200 worth of wire and causing $200 in property damage before selling the materials to a local scrap yard for approximately $1,000.
Christopher Elders, 40, is charged with breaking and entering, larceny, possession of stolen goods, and conspiracy. He is also accused of attempting to destroy evidence linked to the theft.
Jeffrey Keith Smith, 45, faces several felony counts related to the possession and sale of stolen wire, allegedly valued at $510.
Avery Snow Gunter, 21, and Jackie Kevin Shelton, 51, are both charged with felony conspiracy. Gunter also faces breaking and entering and larceny charges.
The dates of the thefts range from April 24 to June 24. Authorities believe several of the suspects worked together to commit the crimes.
Further arrests in the case are expected.
Ward, Gunter, and Smith remain in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center. Elders was released on bond, while Shelton remains jailed under a lower bond amount.
