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.
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Courtesy of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office -
Courtesy of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office -
Courtesy of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office -
Courtesy of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office
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.