Seven charged with thievery
An ongoing investigation into the thefts of Telecom
Wire has led to the arrest of seven individuals, which include charges of theft of metals that
disrupted service to customers in parts of Oconee County, and various other charges related to
the thefts.
The Sheriff’s Office has been contacted in regards to reports of thefts of Telecom Wire after
responding to disruption of telecommunications services. The thefts of the Telecom Wire
occurred from utility poles. The thefts took place in January and February of this year and
occurred on Pickens Highway near Walhalla, Highlands Highway and Sherwood Drive near
Walhalla, and on Longcreek Highway near Westminster.
The arrests by Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Bureau have resulted in the
clearing of 10 cases. At this time, the total cost of the Telecom Wire thefts, as it relates to
materials and labor, is around $97,123.00.
Here are the names of the seven individuals arrested and their charges according to arrest
warrants:
Daniel Eugene Fortner
36 years old
Westminster, SC
Four counts of Metals/Obtaining Nonferrous Metals, Disruption of Service to Critical
Infrastructure or More than 10 Customers
Fortner was arrested on February 22nd, 2023 by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
Ricky Edward Wood
61 years old
West Union, SC
Two counts of Metals/Obtaining Nonferrous Metals, Disruption of Service to Critical
Infrastructure or More than 10 Customers
Fortner was arrested on February 13th, 2023 by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
Physical: 300 South Church St, Walhalla, SC 29691
Mailing: 415 South Pine St, Walhalla, SC 29691
Mike Crenshaw, Sheriff
Bobby Chris McGuffin
57 years old
Westminster, SC
Three counts of Metals/Obtaining Nonferrous Metals, Disruption of Service to Critical
Infrastructure or More than 10 Customers
McGuffin was arrested on February 14th, 2023 by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
and released on bond with an electronic monitoring device. McGuffin was arrested on
the additional charges on March 21st, 2023.
Jeb Daniel Hart
59 years old
Walhalla, SC
Three counts of Metals/Obtaining Nonferrous Metals, Disruption of Service to Critical
Infrastructure or More than 10 Customers
Hart was arrested on February 12th, 2023 by the Walhalla Police Department
Harrison (Chip) Edward Orr
Walhalla, SC
One count of Receiving Stolen Goods
During the execution of a search warrant on Lazy Hollow Lane near Walhalla by
Investigators on February 9th of this year, Orr was in possession of aluminum casing from
the Telecom Wire, according to an arrest warrant. Also according to an arrest warrant,
Orr was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine for a
quantity of narcotics that were seized inside the residence during the execution of the
search warrant.
Orr was arrested on February 9th, 2023 by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
Heather Rapheal Jarema
42 years old
Walhalla, SC
One count of Accessory after the Fact of a Felony
According to an arrest warrant, Jarema is charged with transporting and disposing of the
stolen Telecom Wiring.
Jarema was arrested on February 21st, 2023 by the Walhalla Police Department
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
Physical: 300 South Church St, Walhalla, SC 29691
Mailing: 415 South Pine St, Walhalla, SC 29691
Mike Crenshaw, Sheriff
Evelyn Marie Shead
42 years old
Walhalla, SC
One count of Accessory after the Fact of a Felony
Shead was served an outstanding arrest warrant from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
for her role in assisting in the transportation of the stolen Telecom Wire for the purpose
of the sale, and assisting in the sale, of the stolen Telecom Wire.
Shead was arrested by on February 21st, 2023 by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate five additional cases of Telecom Wire theft
which have occurred on Longcreek Highway near Westminster, Clemson Highway near Seneca,
and Broadway Street near Seneca.
Anyone with any information on these thefts of Telecom Wire can provide tips to
Crimestoppers, where you don’t have to give your name, at oconeesccrimestoppers.com. If your
tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.