RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with the theft of more than 1,000 pounds of copper wiring and other metal materials from the former DMV site on New Bern Avenue.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kwantez Hagans, 28, who was taken into custody on Monday. According to court documents, the thefts occurred on Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 during demolition work at the site.
Investigators allege Hagans was employed by 4 Seasons Demolition Services at the time and stole copper communication wiring with the intent to defraud his employer. Arrest warrants state Hagans later sold the stolen materials to Foss Recycling, where he allegedly received more than $800 under false pretenses by exchanging the stolen copper.
A representative from Foss Recycling said the company complies with all North Carolina regulations aimed at preventing the purchase of stolen materials, though officials declined to comment specifically on the case. State law requires recycling centers to document seller identities, record transactions, and photograph vehicles involved in scrap sales, Raleigh police said.
Police officials emphasized that collaboration with recycling businesses has helped deter copper thefts across the city by making it harder for stolen materials to be resold.
The rising market value of copper has made construction sites frequent targets, industry experts say. Charlie Wilson of C.T. Wilson Construction Company noted that while copper itself is valuable, repair costs following thefts often exceed the value of the stolen material.
In May, the Raleigh City Council approved a $1.9 million contract with 4 Seasons Demolition Services for the abatement and demolition of the former DMV site. City officials said the company retained responsibility and ownership of materials at the location during demolition.
Hagans is being held on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court at 2 p.m. on Feb. 3. Four other suspects — Quavon Gilmore, Elijah Walker, Michael Moore, and Willie Jacobs III — have also been charged in connection with the investigation.
