WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. — Jakob D. Caldwell, a Williamson County man, was arrested on November 26, 2024, in connection with a multi-county wire theft investigation. Authorities say Caldwell was found with stolen communication wire in his vehicle, which he had recently cut up after stealing it.
Investigators with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office believe Caldwell is responsible for stealing over $100,000 worth of wire, which caused significant disruptions to phone and internet services for thousands of customers across multiple counties.
Caldwell, 32, was arrested and charged with several felonies, including:
Theft (Class 2 felony)
Criminal damage to property (Class 2 felony)
Possession of stolen property (Class 2 felony)
Theft of governmental property (Class 4 felony)
He was taken to the Williamson County Jail following his arrest. Investigators continue to work on the case and encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at (618) 997-6541.