Custer County, OK – Two people have been charged in Custer County after deputies say they were caught with stolen copper and other items taken from a wind turbine site near Thomas.
29 year old Slayton McKinnon of Weatherford and 18 year old Haley Dawn Dye of Hinton were each charged this week with two felony counts: possession of stolen copper and entering with intent to steal copper. Prosecutors allege the thefts happened between December 1 and December 2 at a Public Service of Oklahoma and Gulf Coast Wind location near 2350 Road and 920 Road.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Public Service of Oklahoma employees reported that copper wiring had been cut and removed from a wind turbine. Diesel fuel, tools, and other items were also reported missing. Deputies placed a trail camera at the site after finding tools and trash left behind.
The next night, more copper was reported stolen, along with a 50 foot garden hose and an electric water pump. Trail camera images showed a white Dodge Ram 3500 dually entering the property between 9:30 and 10:00 PM.
Deputy Timmy Maines returned to the area that night for surveillance. At about 9:12 PM, he reported seeing the same white pickup entering the site. McKinnon was identified as the driver, with Dye as the passenger.
Inside the truck, deputies say they found tools, a bundle of burnt copper matching the wiring removed from the turbine, and a 50 foot garden hose similar to the one taken the previous night. Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Custer County Jail.
During interviews the next day, Dye told investigators she was at the location with McKinnon but denied knowing about any theft. She said she never got out of the truck before asking for an attorney. McKinnon also denied involvement, according to the affidavit.
If convicted, each felony count carries a possible penalty of one to five years in prison, a fine between 100 and 500 dollars, or both.
The case is filed in Custer County District Court.
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