Pair busted for copper wire theft

Two men are facing charges for allegedly stealing and selling copper wire.

Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark reported receiving a call Friday morning from a local scrapyard about individuals attempting to sell copper wire, later identified as telephone wire.

The suspects, Blake Dooley, 36, of Sebastopol, and Corey Rayborn, 34, of Philadelphia, were found to have brought a substantial amount of stolen copper wire to Central Mississippi Recycling that morning.

“They told the scrapyard they had more wire and would return the next day,” Clark said. The men reportedly received $533 for the initial batch of wire.

Law enforcement monitored the scrapyard and confronted the suspects when they returned the following morning.

Rayborn fled the scene, but deputies apprehended Dooley and searched his white Chevrolet Colorado, discovering approximately 285 pounds of copper wire valued at around $585.

Along with the wire, authorities seized the truck and found chainsaws, grinders, straps, and other tools believed to be used in the theft. Additionally, more unburned wire was discovered.

Deputies later searched Dooley’s Sebastopol residence at 1493 E. Highway 487, where a sample of wire was collected and identified by AT&T as a 400-pair cable. 

Clark said this type of wire matches what was stolen from the Burnside area a few months ago. 

“We are waiting for confirmation from AT&T to determine if this is new wire that has recently been cut,” Clark said. 

Dooley was arrested and charged with felony false pretense and possession of stolen property. 

Rayborn, who remains at large, faces the same charges, and warrants have been issued for his arrest.

“We are still investigating and will have more charges on these guys as the case develops,” Clark said. “Right now, MDOC is in the process of revoking Blake Dooley’s parole.”

Clark also said that authorities will seek to revoke any MDOC time for Rayborn once he is apprehended.