Sheriff: Copper Wire Thieves Caught in the Act

Image courtesy of the News Tribune

An observant Washington Mills employee helped Putnam County Sheriff’s Office catch three would-be thieves before they got too far with their loot.

A call came in to the sheriff’s office at 8:51 p.m. Thursday about a suspicious vehicle driving without its headlights on near Advanced Asphalt outside of Hennepin.

Upon arriving, a deputy spotted a Ford SUV leaving the scene, and was able to stop the vehicle, which was filled with cut lines containing copper wire and tools, according to the sheriff’s report.  The occupants of the SUV, Justin D. Gilbert, 34, of Spring Valley, Billy Ray Tillotson, 48, of Bureau and Christopher M. Matthews, 42, of Spring Valley each were charged with misdemeanor theft, with the possibility of other charges pending. All three were released. They will appear in court on Feb. 23.

Officials at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the call from Washington Mills was Appreciated and helped deputies.

Source: News Tribune