CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Authorities executed a search warrant Thursday at a Williamson salvage yard following what officials described as a months-long investigation into the theft of telecommunications wire across Mingo County.

Deputies with the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department, working alongside the West Virginia State Police, searched Big Frank’s Salvage Yard on Feb. 26. Investigators allege the business had been purchasing stolen telecommunications wire and paying cash for the material.

According to law enforcement, the investigation was based on information from multiple sources indicating that the salvage yard was accepting stolen wire. Officers also used an undercover operative on separate occasions to deliver telecommunications wire to the business, authorities said. Each time, the operative was allegedly paid in U.S. currency in exchange for the wire.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers seized electronic surveillance equipment, $10,839 in cash and approximately 3,500 pounds of telecommunications wire that investigators believe was illegally obtained.

While the search was underway, a member of the West Virginia State Police observed a truck attempting to enter the property with copper wire visible in the bed, authorities said. A traffic stop followed, and Joseph Maynard, 41, and Tara Dempsey, 37, were arrested on allegations of attempting to deliver stolen property.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted jointly by the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police. Officials said additional charges could be filed pending further review of the evidence.