Public Safety

O’Rielly Wants Federal Law to Target Copper Theft

Former GOP FCC Commissioner says we need steeper federal penalties.

Gabriel Dorner

Feb 4, 2025 — 1 min read

Photo of Former FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly from NextTV

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2025 – KOMO News, the ABC affiliate in Seattle, reported last week that King County police are cracking down on copper wire theft and vandalism, which have been plaguing the telecommunications industry.

“Every week we’re seeing these cases, and we’re working on them, and a lot of people don’t see them in headlines and so they wonder if there’s action being taken. I guarantee you there is,” said Casey McNerthney, a spokesman with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Former Republican FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly says a new federal law is needed to safeguard telecommunications networks, private companies, and consumers from the rise of copper theft.

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