The Portland Medium
The Portland Police Bureau has made multiple arrests in connection with a large-scale copper theft operation that investigators say disrupted critical infrastructure and impacted businesses across the city.
Authorities say the investigation, led by the East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, began in May 2025 after a sharp rise in incidents involving communication lines being cut and sold for scrap. Those lines contain copper wiring essential to services such as emergency communications, including 911.
Working in partnership with Lumen Technologies, investigators determined that suspects were targeting both aerial communication lines and underground cabling, as well as commercial properties, including rooftop air conditioning units.
Police say the investigation uncovered a coordinated, multi-person operation in which stolen copper was collected and funneled through the recycling system for profit. With the help of tracking technology placed on targeted cables, detectives conducted surveillance that revealed how the stolen material moved through the network.
Investigators identified a central “broker” who allegedly used business credentials to recycle the stolen metal, accepting copper from multiple individuals, processing it through recycling facilities and distributing payments while keeping a portion of the proceeds.
On March 19, 2026, officers arrested a key suspect, identified as Dedri White, 55, of Portland. White faces charges including first-degree theft, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and multiple metal theft-related offenses. Detectives say White processed more than $487,000 worth of metal over the past year, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Additional arrests were made in connection with the case. Ronald Hall, 64; Tristin Morgenroth, 35; Anna Lokotey, 41; and Autumn Isaac, 35, all of Portland, were arrested on charges of unlawful transportation of metal property.
“These arrests represent a major step forward in disrupting an organized criminal operation,” said Police Chief Bob Day. “Copper theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts emergency communications, local businesses, and critical infrastructure.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have issued subpoenas to two major metal recycling businesses as part of a review into their potential involvement or compliance with regulations.
Police say the case highlights the growing impact of copper theft, which can disrupt essential services and pose risks to public safety.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact [email protected] and reference case number 26-24698.
