Upstate Man Accused of Stealing, Selling Fire Department Radios

Sheriff's office charges 19-year-old with receiving stolen goods and petit larceny.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:36pm

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A 19-year-old man from Easley, South Carolina has been arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods and petit larceny after he allegedly stole Motorola radios belonging to the Rock Spring and Powdersville fire departments and listed them for sale on Facebook. The sheriff's office says the suspect, Alexander David Russell, admitted to the crimes during an interview and had successfully sold one radio before being caught trying to sell a second.

Why it matters

The theft of critical emergency communications equipment like fire department radios can compromise public safety and response times, especially in rural areas that rely on volunteer fire departments. This case highlights the need for vigilance and security measures to protect vital first responder resources from theft and misuse.

The details

According to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, Russell was working for the Medshore ambulance service in January when he allegedly stole the fire department radios. He then listed them for sale on Facebook, successfully selling one radio before detectives caught him trying to sell a second.

  • Russell was arrested on March 26, 2026.
  • The thefts occurred sometime in January 2026 while Russell was employed by Medshore.

The players

Alexander David Russell

A 19-year-old man from Easley, South Carolina who was charged with receiving stolen goods and petit larceny for allegedly stealing and selling fire department radios.

Rock Spring Fire Department

One of the Anderson County fire departments that had radios stolen by Russell.

Powdersville Fire Department

One of the Anderson County fire departments that had radios stolen by Russell.

Medshore

The ambulance service that employed Russell in January 2026 when the thefts allegedly occurred.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the thefts and made the arrest of Russell.

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What they’re saying

“The theft of critical emergency communications equipment like fire department radios can compromise public safety and response times, especially in rural areas that rely on volunteer fire departments.”

— Anderson County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 5th whether to allow Russell to be released on bail pending his trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of securing critical public safety equipment like fire department radios to prevent theft and misuse that could endanger first responders and the communities they serve.