Man arrested in Jefferson County infrastructure wire theft investigation

A Louisville man was arrested in connection with multiple incidents involving the theft of critical infrastructure wiring across Jefferson County.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville man was taken into custody following an investigation into several cases of critical infrastructure wire theft across Jefferson County.

Louisville Metro ABC said the investigation began after reports of wire thefts in areas including Medora Road, Pendleton Road, and Sanctuary Bluff Lane.

Officials said critical infrastructure and communication wiring was stolen in each incident, causing damage to essential services.

Brian Hampton was arrested after detectives said he stole wire from multiple locations, including AT&T wiring.

Police said Hampton was on probation at the time of the alleged crimes and has a history of felony theft-related convictions.

“This type of theft is not a victimless crime,” said Brad Silveria, director of Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control, in a news release. “Critical infrastructure wire theft threatens public safety, disrupts essential communication services, and impacts entire neighborhoods. Through the Mayor’s Critical Infrastructure Task Force, our detectives are working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and protect essential systems across Louisville.”