LAKELAND, Fla. – A Lakeland man was arrested early Monday morning by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after deputies discovered him with freshly cut copper wire. Larry Lasseter was taken into custody and faces charges of criminal mischief and petit theft.
The incident unfolded at approximately 3:35 a.m. when a PCSO deputy found Larry pulling a wagon near the intersection of Parker Street West and Wabash Avenue. Upon making contact with Larry, the deputy noted a significant quantity of copper wire and two wire cutters in the wagon.
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When questioned about the items, Larry initially claimed he had found the wagon nearby.
However, a representative from Lakeland Electric was called to the scene and successfully matched the seized copper wire to a nearby utility pole, confirming it had been freshly cut. The estimated value of the stolen wire is $350.
Authorities stated that Larry admitted to previous arrests for copper wire theft. Records also indicate a past conviction for petit theft.
Larry was transported to the Polk County Jail.
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