April 3, 2024 - Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report 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, with an increased number of these thefts occurring in the Taft, Maricopa, and McKittrick areas. These thefts cause thousands of dollars in replacement material and repairs due to extensive damage to the victims.

On April 1, 2024, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit served a search warrant in the 22700 block of E Street, in McKittrick. During the search, detectives located approximately 450 pounds of copper wire, suspected Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and equipment used to strip insulation from electrical wire.

Electrical wiring and tools located on the property were identified as belonging to two oilfield companies who operate in the oilfield leases nearby.

One subject, Joshua Green (35) of Taft, was located on the property and arrested. Green was booked at the Lerdo Justice Receiving Facility for violation of PC 496A(A)- Purchase/possess copper wire without due diligence, PC 148(a)(1) – Delaying or obstructing a peace office, HS 11377(a) – Possession of a controlled substance, and HS 11364 – Possession of drug paraphernalia.

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 and photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office