Two Arrested in Probe of Copper Wire Thefts

HENDERSON — Two people were arrested on Tuesday in an ongoing investigation into copper wire thefts in Rusk County. Rusk County Sheriff’s officials tell KETK they executed an evidentiary search warrant at a house on the 11000 block of Farm Road 2151 near Henderson just before 5:00 Tuesday afternoon. In the house, authorities say they found transformer tanks, cores, ground wires, meters, clamps, fuse doors, copper and aluminum lines. After further investigation, officials reportedly discovered a stolen gun and 2005 Dodge pickup truck, along with drug paraphernalia and some marijuana.

Jason Bartley, 36, and Ashley Story, 26, were both arrested at the scene for charges including unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana, and theft. Bartley is being held on a $16,000 bond, while Story is held on a $1,000 bond. Both remain in the Rusk County jail.