Three Arrested, Others Sought in Major Copper Wire Theft Case

Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of copper wire stolen from utility contractor in Montgomery County

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a coiled copper wire against a black background, the metal's texture and sheen dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative mood.Copper wire theft has become a persistent problem for businesses, with organized crime rings targeting critical infrastructure for valuable scrap metal.Philadelphia Today

Three people have been arrested and others remain at large following a major metal theft investigation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where police say hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of copper wire was stolen from a local utility contractor over several months. Surveillance footage shows suspects rolling large spools of wire off the property, and the total value of the stolen material is estimated at around $400,000.

Why it matters

Copper wire theft is a persistent problem for businesses, with thieves targeting valuable scrap metal that can be easily resold. These thefts can result in significant financial losses and disrupt critical infrastructure. The case highlights the need for improved security measures and coordination between businesses and law enforcement to combat this type of property crime.

The details

According to police, the thefts occurred at the property of Infrasource, a utility contractor, along Conshohocken Road in Plymouth Township. Surveillance video shows two men rolling large spools of wire down steps and across the parking lot to a waiting vehicle. Investigators say the suspects targeted dark areas off the street, cutting through chains and locks to access the property. The business reported being burglarized multiple times during overnight hours, resulting in the loss of a significant amount of equipment and materials.

  • The thefts occurred over several months at the Infrasource property.
  • The crimes were reported to police, leading to the investigation.

The players

Infrasource

A utility contractor whose property was targeted by the copper wire thieves.

Edgardo Albandoz

One of the three individuals arrested in connection with the case.

Yozuet Pagan

One of the three individuals arrested in connection with the case.

Marc Champagne

One of the three individuals arrested in connection with the case.

Osiris Jones

An individual still being sought by police in connection with the case.

Derrick Rowland

An individual still being sought by police in connection with the case.

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What they’re saying

“It's estimated they scrapped almost 15 thousand pounds of material off the property.”

— Detective Sgt. Christopher Schwartz, Plymouth Township Police Department

“The business lost approximately 400 thousand dollars worth of material from this site the folks involved we've seen been paid almost 50 thousand dollars for this scrap material they turned into regional scrap yards.”

— Detective Sgt. Christopher Schwartz, Plymouth Township Police Department

“Once the crimes were committed staying vigilant and properly checks they came across jones one of wanted in his vehicle in neighboring parking lot.”

— Detective Sgt. Christopher Schwartz, Plymouth Township Police Department

What’s next

The investigation remains active, with additional suspects still being sought. Police have active warrants out for Osiris Jones and Derrick Rowland, both from Philadelphia, and are encouraging them to turn themselves in.

The takeaway

This case highlights the persistent problem of copper wire theft, which can result in significant financial losses for businesses and disrupt critical infrastructure. It underscores the need for improved security measures, such as surveillance cameras and adequate lighting, as well as stronger coordination between businesses and law enforcement to combat this type of property crime.