Bismarck, ND — Three men are facing charges after allegedly stealing nearly 1,000 pounds of copper wire from a mine near Underwood, resulting in significant financial losses. The thefts, which occurred at the Falkirk Mine, are believed to have cost the company over half a million dollars.
McLean County sheriff’s deputies began investigating after receiving multiple complaints from mine supervisors about repeated break-ins and the theft of copper wire. The deputies’ investigation led them to the suspects, who are accused of stealing and selling the copper at a scrap metal company in Minot.
On January 9, a McLean County deputy observed a vehicle hauling a trailer near the mine. The driver fled when the deputy attempted to approach, prompting a felony stop. Timothy Poitra, one of the men involved, was identified at the scene. He has since been charged with conspiracy to commit theft, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, and felony drug paraphernalia after officers found tinfoil and a key hide box that tested positive for methamphetamine residue.
A third suspect, Corey Payne, was later interviewed by investigators. Payne admitted to multiple thefts of copper from the mine, revealing that he had used his girlfriend as a lookout and had her drop off the stolen metal for payment. He is currently being held at the Ward County Jail.
The three men are scheduled to go to trial on May 29 in McLean County Court, where they will face charges related to the thefts and other criminal activities.
The case highlights the growing problem of copper theft in industrial areas, which can result in costly damages and disrupt operations for companies. Deputies are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests related to the thefts.
