February 10, 2024 - Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that over the course of several months, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office has continued to see a rise in copper wire thefts across the county. These thefts cause thousands of dollars in replacement material and repairs due to extensive damage to the victims. Per California law, anyone who recycles copper wire must provide their California identification, the vehicle they transported the material in, and where the material came from.

On February 9, 2024, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit served a search warrant in the 8500 block of Kam Avenue, in Bakersfield. During the search, detectives located approximately 2,300 pounds of non-ferrous material (copper, aluminum, brass, etc.). Detectives were able to identify several items as being stolen from local companies that have reported copper wire stolen recently. Detectives also located an illegal assault rifle.

Through the investigation, detectives learned Victor Solares Reyes (36) of Bakersfield, was operating an illegal recycling center at his residence.

Reyes was arrested and booked at the Lerdo Justice Receiving Facility for violation of PC 496A(A)- Purchase/possess copper wire without due diligence, PC 496(a)- Possession of stolen property, PC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy, and PC 30605-Possession of Assault Rifle.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661)861-3110, or the Secret Witness Hotline at (661)322-4040.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office