More than $367,000 worth of copper wire disappeared from Interstate 69 construction lighting projects in Indiana, and investigators have tied the thefts to a single family, according to authorities. Jason Fulks was arrested after a traffic stop where tools and copper were found in his truck. Natalee Fairchild and Sherry Beasley face corrupt business influence charges.
The months-long investigation stretched across Evansville police and the Warrick and Vanderburgh county sheriff’s offices, with scrap yard records, surveillance video, license plate readers and cell phone data all playing a role. Investigators say large amounts of copper were sold off at Tri-State scrap yards along the way. The Indiana Department of Transportation is still evaluating what the thefts mean for the lighting projects.
Cases like this matter beyond Indiana’s borders. Copper theft drives up public construction costs and can leave highway lighting dark, and the same scrap-metal economy exists in our own backyard, from Sarasota down through Manatee County. The case also shows how routine records and camera systems add up over time.
Have you ever dealt with copper or wire theft at your home or business? Tell us your story in the comments.
