Three charged in copper wire thefts from I-69 lighting projects in southern Indiana

Indiana authorities have arrested a man and charged two other people in connection with copper wire thefts from highway construction projects along Interstate 69 near Evansville, according to a report by WFIE that was distributed through Gray News and published by stations including WIS, Live 5 News, WCAX and Dakota News Now.

Construction crews estimated that more than $367,000 worth of wire was taken, the report said. The headline on the same report put the figure at nearly $375,000, and the article did not explain the difference between the two amounts.

The Indiana Department of Transportation said the copper was taken from work zone lighting projects at the interchange of I-69 and Interstate 64, according to the report. Several thefts were reported to the Evansville Police Department, the Warrick County Sheriff's Office and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said scrap yards across the Tri-State area shared information indicating that Jason Fulks and members of his family were selling large quantities of copper, WFIE reported.

According to records cited in the report, Fulks was arrested earlier this month after a traffic stop. At the time, a warrant connected to the copper theft case was already out for his arrest. Investigators said tools and copper were found in his truck. The report did not list the specific charges Fulks faces.

Two other people, Natalee Fairchild and Sherry Beasley, are facing charges of corrupt business influence that stem from the same investigation, authorities said, according to the report. The article did not describe their alleged roles or state whether they are related to Fulks.

Authorities said the investigation lasted several months and relied on surveillance video, license plate readers and cell phone data, WFIE reported.

The Indiana Department of Transportation said its staff is still assessing how the thefts have affected the lighting projects, according to the report. The report did not say whether the thefts have delayed construction or affected lighting along the interstate.

The report did not include information on court dates, attorneys for the accused, or whether any of them have entered pleas. All three are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Compiled by True News from reporting by WIS, Dakota News Now, Live 5 News and WCAX. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/218