Franklin County, MO – A routine patrol in the Catawissa area led deputies to uncover an alleged wire theft operation Thursday afternoon, after a pickup truck parked along Frisco Drive drew suspicion.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy approached the parked vehicle around 3:30 p.m. on November 27 when he saw one man standing near the truck and another pulling an item from a ditch. As the deputy neared, the second man allegedly dropped a large length of AT&T cable into the ditch line.
Deputies contacted both individuals, who initially claimed they had a flat tire. Authorities say circumstances at the scene led them to detain them for further investigation. One of the men was allegedly found with drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics.
Backup units later discovered a cut gate on nearby private property, ladders leaning against telephone poles, and tools believed to have been used to strip utility lines. In the bed of the truck, deputies reported finding two rifles, additional suspected drugs and paraphernalia, and equipment that appeared freshly used.
One suspect, identified as Matthew Cowsert, 34, of Pacific, MO, was taken into custody without incident. He faces charges of Class D felony stealing, property damage, and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with an outstanding warrant for trespassing 2nd degree. Cowsert is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. Further charges may be added pending laboratory analysis of the suspected narcotics.
The second suspect’s name is being withheld until the prosecutor completes a review.
The Sheriff’s Office warns that utility line thefts continue to affect Franklin County and surrounding areas and urges residents to report suspicious activity near roadways or utility poles.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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