Criminal ring hid in plain sight masquerading as utility workers, FL cops say

A creative theft ring managed to pull off multiple heists in plain sight by masquerading as utility workers, according to investigators in North Florida.

It happened in Jacksonville, and deputies say some of the nine suspects “were caught red-handed” during a theft, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a May 8 news release.

The group targeted fiber optic cable, which is prized for its “copper content,” officials said.

“What started with five arrests ... quickly unraveled into a larger scheme, pointing to (one man) as the ringleader,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Posing as utility workers, these suspects stole cables and carefully stripped them for their copper content. With the help of surveillance, witness statements, recycling records, and advanced investigative techniques, we linked the suspects to more than 15 thefts.”

Those thefts occurred in Jacksonville and in neighboring Bradford County, the sheriff’s office said. The investigation, which began in October, led to the recovery of “stolen copper, tools, and illegal drugs,” officials said.

“When criminals steal fiber optic cables for copper, you risk losing your high-speed internet access. Plus, when utility companies have to replace stolen cables, guess who’s footing the bill? (You),” the sheriff’s office said.

Charges against the suspects include grand theft, theft of copper, dealing in stolen property and criminal mischief, jail records show.

This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 9:16 AM with the headline "Criminal ring hid in plain sight masquerading as utility workers, FL cops say."