On Friday, Sheriff Ronnie Field announced they've arrested and charged Mitchell L. Campbell, 43, Mario T. Dockery, 44 and Charles J. Donnelly, 44. All three men are from Hoke County.
The men's arrest comes after an investigation that started when the sheriff's office was notified that some fiber optic lines for Charter Spectrum customers had been deliberately cut.
Spectrum customers across a large part of Moore County, including Pinehurst, Seven Lakes, and Carthage, were without internet and the ability to call 9-1-1 in some areas.
The sheriff's office said Spectrum reported an alarm indicating a loss of service at 3:53 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12. The Southern Pines Police Department was notified at 10:40 a.m., and later called in the sheriff's office at 12:48 p.m.
Campbell, Dockery and Donnelly are in the Moore County Detention Center, facing charges for:
- Felony Injury to Utility Wires
- Felony Conspiracy
- Felony Attempted Larceny
Dockery faces an additional charge of felony accessory after the fact to injury to utility wires.
Additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues, Sheriff Field says.
The case carries increased penalties under House Bill 808, which is a new law that went into effect on October 1. The North Carolina's Protect Critical Infrastructure Act is meant to strengthen state law against intentional damage to energy, communications, and utility infrastructure. The legislation increases penalties for such offenses and reflects the State's commitment to protecting essential systems and ensuring accountability for crimes that disrupt critical services.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Moore County Sheriff's Office at (910) 947-2931.
SEE ALSO | Still no arrests in Moore County power-grid attack
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