Kentucky State Police arrested a man this past Thursday following a large-scale theft of telephone cable from an area near Fort Boonesborough State Park.
According to police, approximately 1200 feet of AT&T telephone cable was removed along KY 388, which resulted in telephone and internet outages in at least 20 homes throughout the area. Officials say there is minimal cell service available in the area due to the mountainous terrain, which left residents without a way to communicate in case of an emergency.
Investigators determined that 60-year-old James Parks was responsible for cutting and transporting the cable to a Clark County campsite where he and his girlfriend removed the copper inside. According to an arrest citation, the copper was then taken to a nearby recycling center where it was sold by the son of Parks’ girlfriend who then gave Parks the money.
The value of the stolen cable is currently estimated to be $19,800, not including the costs associated with replacing it. Police say Parks’ girlfriend and her son have forthcoming charges. Parks is currently lodged in the Madison Co. Detention Center where he has been charged with Theft By Unlawful Taking.
