Neshoba County Copper Arrest

On August 21, 2023, and September 27, 2023, it was reported to the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office that copper wire was stolen from poles in the Burnside and Marty Stuart Drive communities.  AT&T has estimated the value of over $60,000.00 worth of wire thefts.

On February 21, 2024, the Leake County Sheriff’s Office arrested a group of copper thieves in their jurisdiction and charged them with Grand Larceny (value $25,000 or more): Michael Jones (26) 910 Rice Creek Road Carthage, MS, Hailee Allen (24) 910 Rice Creek Road Carthage, MS, Michael Johnson (46) 3134 Hwy 16 West Carthage, MS, and Mason Cranfill (21) 3143 Hwy 16 West Carthage, MS.

Due to Leake County’s arrest, the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office investigated and determined the above individuals along with Dustin Jones (28) 3134 Hwy 16 West Carthage, MS are linked to wire thefts in the Burnside and Marty Stewart Drive communities.  Dustin Jones was arrested by Neshoba County Deputies and charged with Grand Larceny (value $25,000 or more).

During the investigation it was found that the group used climbing spikes to climb the poles and cut the wires. They used muletape to tie to the wire and pull it down to the ground. The group would pile wire and then return later to load the product. Neshoba County located the by-product (trimmings) in an old dirt pit on Blackjack Road. The wire was reported to be sold in a scrap yard in the Jackson Area.

At this time, Michael Jones (26), Hailee Allen (24), Michael Johnson (46), and Mason Cranfill (21) are awaiting bond in Leake County. Once released from Leake County, the four will be transferred to Neshoba County Detention Center and face charges for Grand Larceny (value of $25,000 or more).

This group is also responsible for copper wire thefts in Attala, Scott, and Pearl River Counties.

If you have any information on criminal activity in the Neshoba County- Philadelphia area, call 601-656-1414 or East Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-855-485-8477.