Hickory Man Charged With Stealing Internet Data Cables In Burke County - WHKY

Mar 25, 2025

30-year-old Fue Lee of Royal Street in Hickory was arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s Officers. He’s charged with felony injury to public utility property.

On March 17, 2025, Brightspeed Internet reported to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office the larceny of internet data cables. The cables were being stolen from utility poles located in the area of Mineral Springs Mountain Road near Nobby Lail Road. Brightspeed Internet reported that more than 6,400 feet of internet data cable had been stolen on multiple dates over the past month.

On March 18 the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began investigating the incident. A witness in the area provided a detailed description of a suspect vehicle seen in the vicinity of the damaged cable lines. The vehicle was described as a silver Toyota Tundra, and they were able to provide the tag number. Deputies found the truck at a residence on Nobby Lail Road. Fue Lee was found to be in possession of the Toyota Tundra.

Detectives determined that Lee had sold copper at a scrap yard multiple times earlier this month. The copper was consistent with the stolen data cable. Lee was arrested without incident. He received a $25,000 secured bond. A District Court date is set for April 10. The investigation is continuing and more charges are expected.

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