Two people have been arrested in a case involving the alleged theft of copper wire from an industrial electric company in Laramie County.
According to documents filed against two suspects in Laramie County Circuit Court, the thefts occurred from a private business property on the 9300 block of Happy Jack Road during the early morning hours of November 7.
Laramie County Sheriff’s Office Deputies report that they were summoned to the area for a reported larceny just after 4:00 a.m. and made contact with a female exiting a pickup truck near the property.
An affidavit of probable cause says that approximately three spools of bare coper and two spools of insulated copper were were found. Deputies also report finding bolt cutters and wire cutters inside the cab of the vehicle.
The affidavit goes on to report that a bucket of copper was found near a barbed wire fence close to the scene, and a wooden spool of insulated copper wire.
A male suspect was reportedly found crouched underneath a culver that runs under Happy Jack Road, during a foot chase of the area. While being taken into custody, investigators say they found a pipe that was suspected for use with controlled substances.
Both suspects were ultimately arrested and transported to the Laramie County Detention Center.
The male suspect; identified as Christopher Lackey, born in 1974; has been charged with a count of felony Theft, felony possession of Burglar’s Tools, misdemeanor Trespassing, and misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The female suspect; Lani Mayfield, born 1971; was charged with felony Aiding and Abetting.
The suspects are expected to be scheduled for preliminary hearings where it will be determined if they will be bound over to District Court on their respective charges.
All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.
