Two Arrested in Utility Line Theft in McDowell County

McDowell County --  The ongoing investigation into power line theft and vandalism around the county has resulted in two arrests by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office.  Increased public awareness and crucial tips from locals and utility personnel led to these developments.

James Marvin McKinney, 36, of Marion, was charged by Detective Kyle Gibson with felony Injuring Wires and Other Fixtures of Telephone, Broadband, Broadcast, or Cable Telecommunications Companies. He received a $250,000 secured bond. The charge stems from a March 24 report in North Cove, where 600 feet of active phone and internet lines were cut and stolen from a creek bed.

Ronald Wayne McMahan, 60, also of Marion, was charged with the same felony by Detective Aaron Vallini and received a $250,000 secured bond. On March 28, Frontier Communications reported $5,000 worth of fiber-optic cable cut and stolen from Old Greenlee Rd. A search warrant executed at McMahan’s residence uncovered evidence linking him to the crime.

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

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