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Rome, NY – In a swift and decisive response to ongoing theft and vandalism concerns, Oneida County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men early Sunday morning, March 2, 2025, preventing yet another costly copper wire theft.
At approximately 1:18 a.m., deputies from the Road Patrol Division were conducting a neighborhood canvass on Lawrence Street following repeated incidents of Verizon Communication’s copper wiring being stolen and damaged. Their vigilance paid off when a patrol sergeant spotted two men behaving suspiciously near the roadway. Upon investigation, officers uncovered approximately 200 feet of damaged copper wiring and found the suspects in possession of burglar tools.
The suspects, identified as Dustyn Enslin (35) and Antonio Gualandi (36), both of Rome, NY, were taken into custody. After a thorough investigation by the Criminal Investigation Unit, the duo was charged with multiple offenses, including:
Criminal Mischief (2nd degree) – A Class D felony
Attempted Grand Larceny (4th degree) – A Class A misdemeanor
Criminal Tampering (2nd degree) – A Class A misdemeanor
Possession of Burglar Tools – A Class A misdemeanor
Following their arrest, both men were processed at the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building and transported to the Oneida County Correctional Facility, where they await Centralized Arraignment.
This arrest underscores the proactive efforts of law enforcement in curbing metal theft, which has been a growing issue in many communities. Copper wire theft not only disrupts critical communication services but also poses significant safety risks to the public and repair crews. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting residents and holding offenders accountable.
Local authorities encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Community awareness, combined with dedicated police efforts, ensures that Rome remains a safer place for all.
For updates on crime prevention and community safety, stay tuned to CNY Online News.
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