Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Hessmer man following an investigation into multiple copper wire thefts in the Echo-Poland area near LA-1 South.

Over the past week, detectives investigated several incidents involving the theft of AT&T copper wire. Authorities reported that suspects cut telephone service lines from utility poles, causing poles to break and disrupting telephone service to residents and a nearby school. Investigators said equipment used in the thefts, including clothing items, was left behind at multiple scenes and submitted for DNA analysis.

Detectives also reported that piles of aluminum sheathing and wire were left along nearby railroad tracks, creating a potential hazard that could threaten the safe operation of Union Pacific and Kansas City Railroad trains.

Officials estimate the suspects obtained approximately $100,000 worth of copper over the course of a week and caused more than $30,000 in damage to AT&T property.

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated an operation to locate and apprehend the suspects. The operation included deputies from the Crime Suppression Unit, Patrol-Resident Deputy Division, RADE K-9, and Special Operations.

Around midnight, CSU deputies observed a white Ford F-150 stop along the roadway in the area where the thefts had occurred. When deputies attempted to make contact, the driver turned off the vehicle’s lights and fled. Deputies pursued the vehicle, which was intercepted near Lamourie Road and LA-457. The driver, identified as Curry Michael Cooper of Hessmer, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center.

With assistance from detectives from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, RPSO detectives established probable cause and obtained a search warrant for Cooper’s residence in Hessmer. During the search, investigators located leftover wire sheathing, aluminum, multiple cutting tools, wire strippers, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Cooper was booked on three counts of trespassing or remaining after forbidden, three counts of criminal damage greater than $1,000 but less than $50,000, and three counts of theft greater than $5,000 but less than $25,000. He is currently being held on a $30,500 bond. Charges from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office remain pending.

Sheriff’s detectives stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Detective Ronald Dye at the Criminal Investigations Division Main Office at 318-473-6700, the RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700, or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative proceeding.

Arrestee:
Curry Michael Cooper, Jr., 39
725 Little Corner Road, Hessmer, LA

Charges:
Three counts trespassing or remaining after forbidden
Three counts criminal damage greater than $1,000 and less than $50,000
Three counts theft greater than $5,000 and less than $25,000