A 30-year-old man in Burke County has been charged with stealing over 6,400 feet of internet data cable. The Burke County Sheriff's Office alleges that the stolen cable was sold illegally as scrap. According to Queen City News, the cable was taken from utility poles near Mineral Springs Road and Nobby Lail Road, causing Brightspeed Internet a significant loss reported on Monday last week.
The investigation by the Burke County Sheriff's Office began the following day, focusing on a silver Toyota Tundra matching the description from witnesses. The vehicle was traced to a residence on Nobby Lail Road, where suspect Fue Lee was found. Lee's connection to the theft was confirmed by his repeated sales of copper at a local scrap yard in March, which authorities believe was stripped from the stolen cables. The Burke County Sheriff's Office Facebook page noted that the copper sold by Lee was consistent with the stolen cables.
Lee, from 5474 Royal Street in Hickory, faces charges for damaging public utility property. He was booked on a $25,000 secured bond, as reported by WSOC- TV. A court appearance was set for Thursday last week.
