1 week Ago By Lisa Brotherton-Barnes
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. ← Back Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak announced arrests and charges in a telecommunications wire theft case.
51-year-old Joe Barton of Fredericktown and 61-year-old Troy Richburg of Festus are charged with one count each of felony stealing for allegedly stealing AT&T telecommunication wire from the 2900 block of Harness Road in Festus. Barton is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond, and Richburg is being held on a $15,000 cash-only bond. Both are being detained in the Jefferson County Jail in Hillsboro.
According to information in a media release, the theft occurred on April 9 and was reported on April 11. Detectives coordinated efforts over two days to take both suspects into custody. On April 11, Richburg was located and apprehended after he and Barton returned to the scene to retrieve the wire cut during the initial theft.
Barton fled the area, but was located on April 12 in the 12800 block of State Road CC, Festus. Sufficient evidence was gathered to obtain in-custody warrants for his arrest. Sheriff Marshak expressed appreciation to the investigators involved in this case and Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski’s office for their prompt work in issuing warrants.
“This type of theft is plaguing the region right now, causing dangerous communication issues. Our office is cracking down on wire thefts, and prosecutors and judges are working to make sure the thieves spend time in jail,” he said. Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a Daily Journal staff writer.
She can be reached at [email protected]..
