Man Accused Of Cutting Fence, Stealing Copper From Solar Facility

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — Security cameras helped Johnston County detectives identify a suspect accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of copper wire from a local solar energy facility.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said approximately $8,800 worth of copper wire was stolen from a solar farm on White Memorial Church Road. The theft was reported on June 13.

Investigators said someone cut a hole in the facility’s chain-link perimeter fence before entering the property and removing the copper wire. Damage to the fence was estimated at $750.

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the solar farm and identified Jeremy Wayne Dawes, 46, of Wimberly Road, Willow Spring, as the alleged suspect.

Dawes was arrested on June 26 and charged with felony larceny and misdemeanor injury to real property.

Following his arrest, Dawes was confined in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $30,000 secured bond.