The news: Four people are charged after a string of copper wire thefts hit communications and electric sites across Tipton County this month, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) says.

What happened: Between Oct. 3 and Oct. 18, deputies answered several reports of copper wire and communications lines being cut, removed and stolen. According to the sheriff’s office, the targets included:

  • Ritter Communications facilities on Portersville Road, Wortham Road and Atoka-Idaville Road
  • A Southwest Electric facility on Glen Springs Road
  • A site in the Drummonds area

Why it matters: TCSO estimates damage and repair costs at more than $100,000. The sheriff’s office said the thefts disrupted essential communications service. Some residents couldn’t reach emergency services, WREG reported.

How they found the suspects: Detectives followed leads to a suspect with ties to Fayette County, according to WREG. On Oct. 18, deputies found more severed lines. Investigators then searched a home in the 1000 block of Fire Tower Road in Somerville, where they recovered a large amount of communications wire believed to be stolen.

Who’s charged:

  • Colton Chase Cannon, 24, of Somerville: theft of property ($10,000–$60,000) and critical infrastructure vandalism. Bond: $150,000.
  • Bryson Riley Meadows, 32, of Braden: the same charges. Bond: $75,000.
  • Jasmine Towles, 42, of Somerville: the same charges. Bond: $75,000.
  • Scotty Dewayne Anderson, 51, of Somerville: possession of stolen property (over $1,000). Bond was pending.

All four were scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Keep in mind: Charges are accusations, not convictions. Everyone charged is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

See something? If you spot someone messing with utility lines or equipment, call the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.

Sources: Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by Action News 5 (Oct. 26, 2026) and WREG.

Photo: Thomas R. Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)