BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LOVELY — A Lovely resident who was arrested recently for theft of phone cable was cited eight days later for violating air pollution standards when police found him burning phone line at his home on North Wolf Creek Road.
Taylor G. Howell, 24, was initially arrested Nov. 17 by Martin County Deputy David Adams on South Wolf Creek Road. The deputy was patrolling and saw Howell and John R. Pack, 21, of Warfield, cutting down a section of phone line. When the two males realized they had been caught in the act, they attempted to jump in a vehicle and flee the scene but were unsuccessful.
Upon questioning, the alleged thieves claimed they were trying to make some money to pay rent.
Adams reported the two had a fiberglass pole commonly used by linemen, a spotlight and a battery-powered saw that they used to cut the line and strand.
Howell and Pack were both arrested and charged with first-degree criminal mischief and theft by unlawful taking ($1,000-$10,000).
The second incident involving Howell occurred Friday when Adams was on patrol and observed what he first believed to be a vehicle on fire at Maynard Flats on North Wolf Creek. Upon investigation, the deputy discovered Howell standing beside a truck burning the plastic coating off phone line.
When questioned about how he acquired the line, Howell claimed to have come upon it lying on the ground while hunting on the Martiki strip mine site and denied cutting it.
The deputy noted a section of the line was still intact and had not been burned. “The line was still shiny and didn’t have any dirt/mud buildup.”
Adams issued a citation for one count of violation of air pollution standards and rules.
Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said phone line theft had become an ongoing problem in the Wolf Creek community.
“My deputies are patrolling that area as often as they can,” Kirk said. “The theft of phone lines is happening in various locations throughout the county and the area. There’s been an influx of thefts on Wolf Creek that has left residents without phone service for weeks at a time.”
Kirk said when the phone service is out, it becomes a safety hazard for residents who are unable to call for assistance if they need an ambulance, fire or police, and being able to get help quickly could mean the difference between life and death.
“It seems that AT&T no more than runs new lines one day and comes back the next day, and they are already gone,” said the sheriff. “Several times, the phone company didn’t even get the service restored before yet another theft occurred.”
Kirk said the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for these thefts is a serious matter and would not be taken lightly. He also said those buying the copper from the thieves could be charged with receiving stolen property when they suspect it was illegally gained but fail to report it.
“If the thieves can’t sell it, they’re not going to steal it,” said Kirk. “All aspects of these types of crimes have to be addressed and dealt with. Our residents are suffering and paying the price for crimes they did not commit.”
Kirk asks residents to report cable theft at 606-298-2828. Callers are not required to disclose their names and need only to report the names of those responsible and the location.