JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says it has dismantled a cable theft ring responsible for more than 15 fiber optic line thefts across Jacksonville and Bradford County.

The agency said its SCRAP (Scrap Crime Reduction and Prevention) Team began investigating the thefts in October. Five men—Steven Midyette, Van Arnold, Darrick Rhoden, Terry Thompson, and Donald Tyre—were initially arrested, but detectives soon uncovered a broader operation allegedly led by Archie Crook.

Posing as utility workers, the suspects reportedly stole fiber optic cables and stripped them for copper, which is often resold for profit. Surveillance footage, witness statements, recycling records, and other investigative tools helped authorities link the suspects to a string of similar crimes, JSO said.

The investigation led to four additional arrests: Archie Crook, Corttney Kowalski, James Bennett, and Leslie Bennett. They were caught in the act during another attempted theft, according to police. Investigators also recovered stolen copper, burglary tools, and illegal drugs.

Officials warned that fiber optic thefts have real consequences for residents and businesses. “When criminals steal fiber optic cables for copper, you risk losing your high-speed internet access,” JSO said in a press release. “Plus, when utility companies have to replace stolen cables, guess who’s footing the bill? (You.)”

JSO worked with the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution under Attorney General Henry Uthmeier on the operation.