The Shafter Press - Serving the community since 1922

A city man was arrested for allegedly stealing copper wire from different locations around Kern County.

Juan Regalado, 44, was charged on June 15 in connection with thefts of copper wire in Shafter, Wasco and Buttonwillow. He was also charged with possession of an illegal cane sword.

When Kern County deputies searched Regalado’s home, the Kern County Rural Crimes Unit charged Regalado in 10 additional thefts of farm equipment, all terrain vehicles and other materials including metal pipe.

The estimated thefts and damage totaled approximately $95,000, according to deputies.

Regalado was charged with burglary, vehicle theft, felony vandalism, grand theft, copper materials theft and possession of a cane sward.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Department at 661-861-3110 or the Secret Witness line at 661-322-4040.