HOUSTON – Investigators with the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office are searching for three people charged with stealing copper wire from a northwest Houston business.
All three have been charged with felony criminal mischief, but Constable Alan Rosen said more charges may be added later.
“There’s too many businesses being impacted by this crime and we’re stepping up our efforts to ensure that we hold these people accountable,” Rosen said.
Surveillance cameras at Risi Competizione, an elite racing team, captured three people ripping cables out of the business on Aug. 3.
The video shows two of the individuals wearing reflective vests and hard hats, giving the appearance of being utility workers.
“How much damage was done?” asked KPRC 2 Investigates Robert Arnold.
“Right now, we are up to about $45,000 of hard costs,” said general manager Anthony Nevotti. “The business was down, physically, for close to 48 hours and effectively three to four days.”
Nevotti said in addition to replacing the wiring ripped out of the building, there are the costs of repairing damage to other parts of the business done by thieves and overtime for employees working to meet deadlines.
“All the employees are working 12 to 14 hour days trying to meet those deadlines instead of a normal work week,” Nevotti said.
Harris County court records show Chad Allen Johnson, 55, Miles Wayne Hensley, 38, and Moriah Joy Carroll, 32, are all facing felony charges but have not been arrested.
Less than a month before Risi Competizione was hit, Johnson pleaded guilty to committing an identical crime on Dec. 6 at a business near Bush-Intercontinental Airport. Johnson was given four years of probation with deferred adjudication of guilt and ordered to pay restitution.
“That’s just incredible to think about,” Nevotti said. “Obviously either the punishment or the system isn’t working to protect the taxpayers of the city.”
State records show Johnson has a criminal record dating back to the early 90s for various crimes, including metal theft.
“This guy has done this particular criminal activity 18 times in the past,” Rosen said. “You’ve got to, at some point, say this is a career criminal. This is somebody that needs to get served some time in prison.”
Officials with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office sent KPRC 2 a written statement regarding Johnson’s prior case. Prosecutors said they will seek to revoke his probation in that case.
“Public safety, the law and justice for victims are vital when it comes to the HCDAO prosecuting cases. The victim in this case requested restitution to be paid in full and agreed to Deferred Adjudication for the defendant, who prior to entering the agreement made a $5,000.00 restitution payment to the victim and was to continue paying until the $25,000.00 was paid in full,” officials wrote.
If you have any information on this case please contact Pct. 1 Detective, Joseph Bowden at joseph.bowden@cn1.hctx.net or the Pct. 1 Constable’s Office at (713) 755-5200.
