Rural Crimes Investigation Unit Arrest for Illegal Possession of Copper Wire and Drugs 

January 25, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff's Office officials report that over the course of several months, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office has seen a continued increase of copper wire thefts in the farmlands and oilfields around Kern County. These types of thefts have caused several thousand dollars’ worth of damage and repairs.

On January 23, 2025, Detectives from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit, along with Taft Substation Deputies, conducted follow-up on several copper wire thefts. Investigators went to the 900 block of North Lincoln Street, in Taft, and contacted Steve Havens (53). Havens is on active probation for theft related charges. While conducting the investigation, detectives located a basement area that contained a large amount of copper wire.

Through the investigation, detectives obtained probable cause to arrest Havens. He was booked at the Kern County Inmate Reception Center for violation of PC 496A(A)- Illegal possession of copper wire, Health and Safety Code 11395(B)1)- Possession of drugs with 2 priors, Health and Safety Code 11377(A)- Possession of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff's Office