6/23/14 - A man caught stealing copper phone wire in Highland Township has been charged but police are investigating his possible involvement in a similar theft. 37-year-old Robert Stefaniak was jailed following the June 14th incident. He has since been charged in 52-1 District Court in Novi with larceny of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 â a five year felony. A telephone company employee reported seeing an unauthorized truck removing phone cable from the area of Duck and Livingston Roads. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Highland Township substation responded and discovered Stefaniak near a white utility truck, spooling wire. When questioned, Stefaniak claimed he had been contracted by AT&T to remove telephone cable. Detectives confirmed that he was employed by a telecommunication company out of White Lake, and the utility truck used had the company logos on the doors. Detectives are also investigating Stefaniakâs possible involvement in a similar theft at the same location in April. Authorities say the company is not involved in either of the larcenies and officials are cooperating in the investigation. (JM)
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