An Enterprise Staff Report

Kentucky State Police Trooper Kevin Miller arrested two people for their alleged connection with a theft that occurred at Harlan-Cumberland Coal Company in Dione.

Miller responded to the call on April 19 around 6 p.m. after Post 10 received a call from a security guard who had discovered that 650 feet of copper wire was stolen from the Dione Shop sometime during the night.

Miller said during the investigation, he received a call from Sgt. Silas Whitehead from the Cumberland Police Department. Whitehead stated that he had information in regards to this theft and others throughout the county.

Miller said he attempted to locate the alleged suspects, but was unable to do So.

On May 5, Whitehead located Cebert Randy Smith, 31, and Brandy Cantrell, 32, both of Cumberland and arrested them on theft and burglary charges that his agency was investigating.

Miller said during the investigation, it was determined that Smith and Cantrell had taken the copper wire valued at almost $14,000, and had cut it up in order to sell it as scrap.

Miller said some of the wiring has been recovered, but it is now unusable for the mining industry.

Warrants were obtained by Miller and served on Cantrell and Smith on Tuesday for theft by unlawful taking over $10,000. They are in the Harlan County Detention Center with a $10,000 full cash bond on these charges.

The investigation continues by Miller.