Seven people are facing felony charges in connection to recent copper wire thefts around Louisville, according to an Aug. 7 news release.
Mayor Craig Greenberg said the Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control arrested and charged seven people who investigators believe were involved in a series of copper wire thefts that specifically targeted critical city and state infrastructure around Louisville. Those arrested include Brian Burgett, 54; Chad Hester, 51; Eric Jenkins, 37; Anthony Napier, 52; Jonathan St. Clair, 33; Curtis Terry, 46; and Julio Torres, 33.
At least one is also charged under Kentucky’s newly amended statute classifying damage to critical infrastructure as first-degree criminal mischief, which was strengthened to a felony in 2025 following recommendations from Greenberg and the Critical Infrastructure Task Force.
Officials initially received a tip from a local scrap yard of people selling burnt wire consistent with the wire used by AT&T and other service providers. Investigators also believe Burgett, Hester and Napier previously worked together to steal wire from a TRIMARC traffic sign in 2023, a case that had gone unsolved until recently. The three are facing additional charges of criminal syndication as a result.
“From major reductions in violent crime, to breaking up criminal groups damaging our infrastructure systems, we are improving public safety in Louisville every day,” Greenberg said. “Our message to these copper wire thieves is clear: Whether you’re cutting it, stealing it, burning it or selling it, we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”
The charges follow a collaboration from the Critical Infrastructure Task Force, Louisville Metro ABC, Louisville Metro Police’s Third Division Detective Unit and LMPD Technology Operations. Investigators believe those arrested in affiliation with the operation may be linked to other crimes, including along infrastructure managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
“This case highlights the evolving role of ABC in protecting regulated businesses as well as the general public,” Director of Louisville Metro ABC Brad Silveria said. “I want to commend our detectives, LMPD, and our partner agencies for their tireless efforts in stopping this dangerous criminal activity and preventing additional disruption of our critical infrastructure.”
More: Copper theft has risen to crisis levels. Here’s what Kentucky is doing about it. | Opinion
The recent arrests follow the installation of new technology on street lights around Louisville aimed to combat copper wire theft, The Courier Journal reported. The tampering-detection system, installed in key locations where previous thefts have taken place including along critical highway infrastructure, is one of several local and state-led initiatives meant to neutralize the issue that started in 2024. The Critical Infrastructure Taskforce was also created in October to address copper wire theft.
Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Several people facing charges for recent Louisville copper wire thefts