GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Two men have been arrested following an investigation into multiple thefts of Duke Energy equipment that caused approximately $1 million in damages and left nearly 5,600 residents without power for six hours, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Deputies conducted a theft investigation Monday at two locations on Old Julian Road in Whitsett, leading to search warrants and the arrest of Brian Gerner, 47, and Kenneth Gregory, 45.
Gerner faces two counts of felony injury to an energy facility and three counts of felony obtaining property by false pretense. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond and has since been released.
Gregory was charged with two counts of felony injury to an energy facility and four counts of felony obtaining property by false pretense. Due to his criminal history and probation status, Gregory remains in custody on a $10,000 secured bond.
Authorities have also obtained warrants for a third individual who is not currently in custody. Details about the stolen equipment and the cause of the outages have not been disclosed.
The sheriff’s office continues its investigation and is cooperating with Duke Energy.
