April 23, 2015 - Stanislaus County Rural Crimes Detectives arrested 26 year old John Evans and 25 year old Shalene Wise both from Modesto as a result of their investigation into the theft of telephone wire that disrupted service in La Grange yesterday. Evans was arrested for possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools and Wise was arrested for criminal conspiracy.
During the investigation Detective Cody Williams found that AT&T employees estimated 1000 feet of 50 strand communication wire had been stolen and it caused approximately $65,0000 in damage. AT&T spent several hours yesterday restoring service to the residents. It is still not known how many homes were affected by the loss of telephone services yesterday to Mariposa, Tuolumne and Stanislaus County residents. This morning Detectives Cody Williams and Ryan Jenkins began checking with all the local recyclers to see if the wire had been brought in. They found that a local recycler near Beard Ave in Modesto had taken in over 110 pounds of copper wire just after 5:00 P.M. yesterday.
Detective Williams identified John Evans and Shalene Wise as possible suspects after speaking with employees from the recycling center. At approximately 10:45
A.M. today Detectives Williams and Jenkins went to the suspects residence in the 2400 Block of Sunrise Ave in Modesto where he located both John Evans and Shalene Wise. After a search of the residence he found evidence to show that Mr. Evans was in possession of the stolen communication wire and Shalene Wise assisted him in removing the insulation from the copper wire. Detectives Williams said, "By removing the insulation from the copper wire it increases the value at a recycling center because the recycling center will not have to do it themselves." Both were arrested and have been booked in Stanislaus County Jail facilities. Anyone with information on the theft of the telephone wire can call Detective Cody Williams at 209-525-7057.
If you have any tips, you can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips athttp://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.
For earlier information: Stanislaus County Sheriff Department Reports Vandals Stole a Telephone Line Knocking Out Service in La Grange
