Accused thieves ‘break the internet’ in Hickory

HICKORY, N.C. (News Release) — On October 20, 2025, Deputy J. Betts responded to Hickory Highway regarding the theft of fiber optic and copper wire, which had caused a temporary service disruption in the area.

An AT&T technician reported receiving an alarm for a cell tower outage and discovered a man loading large sections of cable into the trunk of a Toyota Corolla. The technician was able to take a photo of the vehicle before it left the area.

Deputy Betts responded and located approximately 300 feet of fiber optic cable and 300 feet of copper wire, valued at around $4,500. Through further investigation, Deputy Betts identified the vehicle and determined the registered owner to be Afton McKenzie Rash, 43, of Old Fort, North Carolina.

Deputy Betts coordinated with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office to locate the suspect vehicle and identify the individuals involved. Deputies in McDowell County found the vehicle at a residence and identified a second suspect, Christopher Michael Laplante. During their investigation, deputies discovered wire and a pipe cutter inside the vehicle.

Based on evidence collected throughout the investigation, Deputy Betts obtained warrants for Rash and Laplante for Felony Larceny, Felony Injuring Utility Wires/Fixtures, and Felony Conspiracy to Commit Larceny. Both suspects were entered as wanted by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 21, 2025, deputies from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rash and Laplante and transported them to the McDowell County Detention Center. Both appeared before a magistrate and received a $15,000 secured bond.