TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man linked to a string of copper wire thefts causing massive damage to farmland in Tulare County has been arrested, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
According to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, 43-year-old Jeremy Michael Koelewyn was taken into custody in Tulare after deputies connected him to at least 10 incidents of copper theft reported since early July across Visalia, Tulare, and Exeter.
Investigators say Koelewyn used a vehicle to rip copper wiring from electric panels, causing an estimated $250,000 in damages, primarily to agricultural irrigation systems. The extensive damage disrupted operations for several local farmers.
After serving a search warrant at Koelewyn’s home in Visalia, deputies found critical evidence including burnt copper wire, sheathing, and copper wire stripping tools, confirming his involvement.
Detectives also revealed that Koelewyn was already on active probation for similar thefts at the time of his arrest.
