Jacksonville Police Arrest Man for Copper Wire Theft
A 45-year-old man faces felony charges after stealing nearly $60,000 worth of copper wire from local cell towers.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Property Crime
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrested 45-year-old Jack Depetris on September 25, 2026, for allegedly stealing copper wire from city cell towers. Investigators identified the suspect by reviewing surveillance footage recorded during the break-ins.
Why it matters
The systematic theft of copper from essential infrastructure poses significant service risks to residents and creates costly repair burdens for telecommunications providers. Authorities continue to monitor sites to prevent further damage to Jacksonville electrical and cellular systems.
Jack Depetris faces formal charges including burglary, grand theft with property damage exceeding $1,000, and dealing in stolen property. The investigation remains active as authorities review evidence related to the thefts.
The players
Jack Depetris
The 45-year-old individual who was arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to the theft of utility-grade copper.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
The primary local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the break-ins and executing the arrest of the suspect.
The details
Detectives used surveillance imagery captured at the scenes to track down and apprehend the suspect. The stolen goods, valued at nearly $60,000, were reportedly taken from multiple cellular and electrical sites across the city.
Timeline
Jack Depetris was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on September 25, 2026.
Legal Context
The prosecution of this copper theft follows the sentencing guidelines established by Florida Statute 812.014 regarding grand theft. Such crimes in Jacksonville are frequently prosecuted as high-level felonies due to the significant financial damage and service disruption caused.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity near cell towers or utility sites to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. Staying vigilant helps protect critical city infrastructure from similar costly criminal interference.
The takeaway
Copper theft remains a persistent threat to communications infrastructure that can lead to local service outages for residents. Ensuring that utility sites are secured with modern surveillance is one effective way for companies to deter future criminal activity.
Further reading
Learn more about local safety trends in our Jacksonville Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
