Joplin man charged with wire theft that took down hospital communications
JOPLIN, Mo. — Police arrest a Joplin man they say stole specialized telephone wire, taking down Mercy Hospital’s phone system.
Last Thursday (1/18), an AT&T employee reported stolen telecommunication wire near 44th and Grand Avenue to law enforcement. Newton County officials say security cameras show a vehicle drive up to that area, drop off a man who cuts the phone wiring from a pole, taking it with him.
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After reviewing this reported theft and other similar reports, additional information about a possible suspect was received. Joplin Police began surveillance on that suspect and identified him as Justin Foust, 27 (below).
On Tuesday (1/23), a JPD detective stopped a vehicle fitting the same description as the one seen on security video. Foust was a passenger in the vehicle and police say they saw wire in the rear of the vehicle as well as on the floor of the passenger seat where Foust was sitting. Foust was arrested on an active warrant.
Foust is charged in both Newton and Jasper County on felony stealing charges. Additionally, he’s charged in Newton County with damage to a critical infrastructure facility for the Mercy wire theft.
The charges in Jasper County stem from a search of Foust’s residence. That’s where investigators say they found additional sections of telecommunication wiring.
AT&T says the total value for replacing the stolen wiring was estimated to be in excess of $25,000.
