Two Rhode Island men are facing charges after allegedly trying to steal copper from the State Police Telecommunications Tower in North Stonington, according to state police.
John Fahey, 25, of Pascoag, Rhode Island, and Jeffery Joergensen, 24, of Chapachett, Rhode Island, were arrested Monday morning. An alarm went off at the tower and police intercepted the men, who had already caused between $6,000 and $10,000 worth of damage to the site, police said.
The tower is used as a communications hub for state police, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint.
Police said the men initially identified themselves as communications company employees. One tried to run while troopers were questioning the other but didn’t get far before police caught up to him.
Fahey and Joergensen were arrested and each charged with breach of peace, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, criminal attempt at larceny, reckless endangerment, interfering with police, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal misrepresentation.
Fahey was held on a 50,000 bond and Joergensen’s bond was set at $35,000. Both were due in court Wednesday.
