On March 10, 2014, an arrest warrant was issued for 25-year-old Ronald Lee Moore from Phoenix regarding involvement in the theft of copper wire from more than 20 light poles positioned on the east side of the on-ramp to South, from SR 69, Cordes Lakes. Following publication of the ADI story on February 14, 2013, of the theft, YCSO detectives were contacted by Phoenix Police Department detectives who identified Moore as a possible suspect based on similar tactics used by Moore for wire theft in the Phoenix area. As a result, the YCSO lead detective began researching copper wire sales involving Moore in Phoenix.
The detective discovered Moore had recently sold wire to a scrap metal dealer that was an exact match to the wire stolen in this case. YCSO detectives also linked Moore to a theft of wire from light poles in October of 2013 along Highway 69 in Cordes Junction. Additionally, physical evidence gathered from the scene in Yavapai County also linked Moore to the theft. Total loss from both incidents exceeds $30,000.
Suspect Moore remains in custody at the Maricopa County Jail charged with similar crimes. The Yavapai County arrest warrant will be served immediately upon his release from custody in Maricopa County. At that time, he will be transported to the Camp Verde Detention Center to answer new local theft charges in Yavapai County.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are probable.