Docs: Muncie man stole over 200 lbs. of telecommunication wire from AT&T

MUNCIE, Ind. — A central Indiana man faces felony theft charges after police say he stole and sold over 200 pounds, or approximately two miles worth, of AT&T telecommunication wire.

Christopher Nibarger, 43, of Muncie, was booked into the Delaware County Jail over the weekend on preliminary charges of telecommunication wire theft. Court documents detail how police had been investigating Nibarger since early July.

Investigators launched an investigation on July 9 into reported telecom wire thefts in and around the Desoto area of Delaware County near Muncie. At the time, AT&T employees estimated that around two miles worth of wire had been stolen. AT&T said the wires were being used to service both commercial and residential customers.

While investigating, police identified Nibarger as the primary suspect. Photos of Nibarger were reportedly provided by Hartford Iron, a local facility that buys scrap metal and pays in cash.

Police soon uncovered photos of a gray Chevy Silverado that was loaded with insulated wire consistent with what had been stolen. The truck was reportedly registered to Nibarger and was the same vehicle used to drop off and sell wire at Hartford Iron.

Sales receipts from the scrap metal facility showed that, on July 18, Nibarger sold 98 pounds of telecommunication wire for around $318. Police said that the wire had been burnt before being sold, which is common practice when stripping large amounts of insulated copper.

Then, on Aug. 12, Nibarger allegedly returned to Hartford Iron and sold another 103 pounds of telecommunication wire for $283.25. Again, police said that the wire was burnt before being sold.

The facility turned over the stolen wire to investigators and AT&T employees, who identified the wire as company property. The AT&T investigator working with police reportedly said that no person or business was authorized to possess or sell this specific wire.

“The investigator would further explain that the unique twist and wire size is specific to AT&T telecommunication wire and this is how he is able to identify it after the insulation is removed,” court documents read.

Nibarger was brought to the Delaware County Justice Center on Sunday for an interview with police. During the conversation, he reportedly admitted to selling “a lot” of copper wire in the area. Nibarger also reportedly described how he burns the insulation off prior to scrapping it.

After being shown a photo of his truck carrying the allegedly stolen wire, Nibarger told police he wanted an attorney. The interview was concluded around 2:30 p.m., and Nibarger was booked into jail on two preliminary charges of telecommunication wire theft, both level 5 felonies.

Court documents filed in Nibarger’s case do not go into detail on how the suspect allegedly stole the wire.

Jail records show that Nibarger is now being held on a $10,000 bond. If convicted of both level 5 felonies, he could face up to 12 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.