JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Three people have been arrested and one remains at large following a month-long investigation into a large-scale copper theft operation targeting electrical substations and businesses across Jasper County, according to Sheriff Chuck Havard.
Sheriff Havard said multiple Jasper-Newton Electric Company substations were damaged after copper wiring was stolen over the past month. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office launched an extensive investigation, gathering photographs, witness statements, and conducting interviews that led to the identification of several suspects.
Investigators allege the group was involved in an organized theft ring that stole copper from electrical substations and other local businesses. Authorities say the suspects transported the stolen copper to various residences, burned off its protective coating, and sold the metal to a local scrapyard.
According to the sheriff, two members of the group allegedly sold large quantities of stolen copper to the scrapyard over several weeks while using different forms of identification in an attempt to conceal their involvement. Investigators believe the thefts were coordinated and highly organized.
Following additional interviews, three suspects were positively identified and taken into custody:
Dustin W. Ross, 41, of Jasper, arrested December 16
Melissa Loudenslager, 34, of Jasper, arrested December 16
Joseph D. Arnold, 62, of Jasper, arrested December 15
All three have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a third-degree felony.
A fourth suspect, Trey Dawn Price, 38, of Jasper, remains at large and is wanted on an active arrest warrant. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at (409) 384-5417.
Authorities emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
