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The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man in connection with a series of copper cable thefts from telecommunications infrastructure throughout San Mateo County, the office said Monday.
Between Feb. 1 and March 18, there were 11 reported copper cable thefts involving telecommunications in Half Moon Bay, La Honda, Portola Valley and Woodside, the Sheriff’s Office said. The thefts have amounted to approximately 2,800 feet of stolen copper wire, valued at more than $225,000.
Wire thefts have caused internet and phone outages across Portola Valley, with residents complaining that outages have lasted as long as 20 days.
In the early morning hours of March 23, another theft occurred in the 4000 block of Sand Hill Road in Woodside, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators identified the suspect’s vehicle and tracked it to a scrap metal facility where he allegedly sold the copper cable. Working with the facility, the Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Union City resident Michael Galbreath, 53. He was arrested on March 24.
A search of Galbreath’s car allegedly uncovered additional copper cable, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, and ammunition. As a convicted felon, Galbreath is prohibited from possessing ammunition, the Sheriff’s Office said.
After his arrest, Galbreath was charged with four felonies including theft of copper materials, possession of a controlled substance for sale, transporting controlled substances for sale and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. He was also charged with two misdemeanors for possessing burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.
Judge Sharon Cho released him without bond on March 26. Galbreath’s next court appearance is on May 15 in the San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City.
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So Michael Galbreath is a convicted felon who stole $225,000 worth of copper wire that left Portola Valley residents without phone and internet connectivity for up to three weeks. A search of his car revealed burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition–illegal for a felon to possess. To his previous criminal record, he’s now added 4 more felonies and 2 misdemeanors.
Kudos to the San Mateo Sheriff’s office for finding and arresting him.
What followed?
Judge Sharon Cho released him without bond on March 26.
In what world does that make sense?