Bakersfield, California – Wednesday — Two people were arrested following an undercover operation targeting ongoing copper wire thefts across Kern County, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Rural Crime Investigations detectives said they have been investigating numerous thefts over the past several months that caused thousands of dollars in replacement and repair costs due to extensive property damage.
Authorities identified Santiago Lopez, 39, of Palmdale, as a suspect who allegedly traveled to Kern County to purchase stolen copper wire and transport it to Los Angeles for recycling.
On March 3, detectives conducted an undercover operation in southern Kern County and arranged a meeting with Lopez. Investigators said undercover deputies sold Lopez approximately 400 pounds of copper wire.
According to the sheriff’s office, Lopez allegedly failed to ask where the copper originated and did not provide a receipt, identification documentation or vehicle information, as required under California recycling and business regulations. Officials said Lopez also did not have a license as a recycler.
Lopez and Teresa Ruiz, 35, also of Palmdale, were arrested shortly after the transaction and booked into the Kern County Inmate Reception Center.
Under California law, recycling centers must document transactions and verify identification to prevent the resale of stolen materials.
Anyone with information related to copper wire thefts is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (661) 322-4040.
