SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah ( ABC4 ) — Four people are in custody after deputies recovered nearly $150,000 worth of stolen copper on Thursday, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation started on Sept. 6, when deputies responded to a report of copper mold valued at $55,000 stolen from Rio Tinto Kennecott — an integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City.
Through investigation, deputies identified two suspects — Hea Mahe, 36, and Duc Bui, 35. Deputies arrested both individuals on Sept. 10 and gained additional information leading to a search warrant for Ortiz Metal Processing in Salt Lake City.
Driver arrested for passing trooper at 114 mph, fleeing in Iron County
Detectives served the warrant on Sept. 12, resulting in the recovery of over 10,000 pounds of stolen copper and the arrest of a third suspect — JL Fakalata, 35. The facility owner, Fabian Ortiz, 49, was also arrested on suspicion of purchasing stolen property.