Internet cable theft leads to arrest in Burke county

Brightspeed Internet reported to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office on March 17 that data cables had been stolen from utility poles located in the area of Mineral Springs Mountain Road near Nobby Lail Road. Brightspeed Internet reported that more than 6,400 feet of internet data cable had been stolen on multiple dates over the past month.

On March 18, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began investigating the incident. A witness in the area provided a detailed description of a suspect vehicle observed in the vicinity of the damaged cable lines. The vehicle was described as a silver Toyota Tundra, and they were able to provide the NC license tag that was displayed on the vehicle.

Deputies located the truck at a residence on Nobby Lail Road. Fue Lee was found to be in possession of the Toyota Tundra. Detectives were able to determine that Lee had sold copper at a scrap yard multiple times in the month of March. The copper was consistent with the stolen data cable.

Detectives located Lee later that day and arrested him without incident. Lee was taken before the magistrate and received a $25,000 secured bond and a first court appearance on March 20.

This investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.