3 Charged In Copper Theft Probe In Cherokee

NELSON, GA — Three people are facing charges in connection with a copper theft investigation in Cherokee County, authorities said Friday.

Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle call around 6:30 a.m. Friday at Nelson Park near Kennesaw and School streets, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

When they arrived, they found a minivan sitting against a fence near a stack of cut copper wiring in a wooded area, authorities said.

Deputies saw the trio walk into the wood line, and they moved to establish a perimeter, authorities said.

The first suspect was immediately arrested, and a police K9 tracked and located the second suspect, authorities said.

The third suspect was found and arrested after a nearby resident called 911 to report a suspicious person walking through the woods behind their home, authorities said.

The trio is accused of removing and damaging copper and fiber optic cables from the roadway near the park. The damages and repair costs were estimated to be between $30,000 and $50,000, authorities said.

They identified the suspects and the charges they face as:

• Michael Anthony McKay, 36, of Atlanta: charged with possession of cocaine, first-degree criminal damage to property, loitering or prowling, theft by taking, possession of tools for commission of crime and damage/vandalism of public utility equipment. McKay is being held without bond.
• P’ele Levert Evans, 38, of Canton: charged with theft by taking, loitering or prowling, first-degree criminal damage to property, possession of tools for commission of crime and interference of public utility equipment. Evans is beind held without bond.
• Shavari Ja’nae Lee Andrew Williams, 27, of Garden City: charged with theft by taking, loitering or prowling, first-degree criminal damage to property, possession of tools for commission of crime and damage of public utility equipment. Williams is being held on a $16,375 bond.

“Copper thefts can cause significant damage to public infrastructure and have a major impact on public property and services for our community,” Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds said in a news release. “This investigation is an example of great teamwork between our deputies and our community.”