HICKORY, N.C. (News Release) \u2014 On October 20, 2025, Deputy J. Betts responded to Hickory Highway regarding the theft of fiber optic and copper wire, which had caused a temporary service disruption in the area.<\/p>\n
An AT&T technician reported receiving an alarm for a cell tower outage and discovered a man loading large sections of cable into the trunk of a Toyota Corolla. The technician was able to take a photo of the vehicle before it left the area.<\/p>\n
Deputy Betts responded and located approximately 300 feet of fiber optic cable and 300 feet of copper wire, valued at around $4,500. Through further investigation, Deputy Betts identified the vehicle and determined the registered owner to be Afton McKenzie Rash, 43, of Old Fort, North Carolina.<\/p>\n
Deputy Betts coordinated with the McDowell County Sheriff\u2019s Office to locate the suspect vehicle and identify the individuals involved. Deputies in McDowell County found the vehicle at a residence and identified a second suspect, Christopher Michael Laplante. During their investigation, deputies discovered wire and a pipe cutter inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Based on evidence collected throughout the investigation, Deputy Betts obtained warrants for Rash and Laplante for Felony Larceny, Felony Injuring Utility Wires\/Fixtures, and Felony Conspiracy to Commit Larceny. Both suspects were entered as wanted by the Iredell County Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
On October 21, 2025, deputies from the McDowell County Sheriff\u2019s Office arrested Rash and Laplante and transported them to the McDowell County Detention Center. Both appeared before a magistrate and received a $15,000 secured bond.<\/p>\n
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