Joplin man arrested after alleged string of communication wiring thefts

A man from Joplin has been arrested after being accused of stealing communication wire, including some that affected telephone lines at Mercy Hospital.

Read the full press release from JPD below:

On Thursday, January 18th, 2024, the Joplin Police Department was contacted by AT&T in reference to the theft of telecommunication wire near 44th and Grand Avenue.

The AT&T employee reported that the theft of the telecommunication wire caused the phone system to become disabled at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

It was determined that the specialized telephone wire would cost approximately $5,500 to repair.

After reviewing this case and other similar reports, information was received of a possible suspect, later identified as 27-year-old Justin C. Foust. A Joplin Police Detective began conducting surveillance on Foust.

On January 23rd, the Detective was able to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that Foust was in. During the encounter, the Detective found Foust to be in possession of stolen wire matching that of telephone wire reported stolen. Foust was also found to have an active warrant for his arrest.

Following his arrest, the Detective received information that additional stolen telecommunication wiring was at an address at 2904 S. Virginia Avenue. A follow-up at that location confirmed the information and numerous other sections of stolen telecommunication wire and broadband communication wiring were found. Further evidence revealed the suspect had been removing copper metal from the stolen wiring.

In all, it was determined that the stolen wiring had a total estimated value in excess of $25,000.

Charges were filed by the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for Stealing and Damage to a Critical Infrastructure Facility. His bond was set at $3,500 cash or surety. The investigation is still ongoing.