ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Five people have been charged in connection with a months-long investigation into the theft of AT&T wire that caused widespread service outages across Buncombe County, authorities said.

Detectives with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began in December 2025 and uncovered multiple sites where stolen wire was burned and stripped in Swannanoa and the Leicester community. Officials said the operation resulted in the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of cut wire.

Investigators allege the suspects were involved in cutting, stripping and selling the wire.

Those charged include:

Travis Warren Glenn, who faces multiple counts of felony larceny and injury to utility wires or fixtures, as well as charges related to obtaining nonferrous metals. Authorities said Glenn posted bonds totaling $45,000 after being charged in separate instances.

Justin Bryant Banks, who is charged with obtaining property by false pretenses, financial card fraud and theft, felony conspiracy, and several traffic-related offenses. Authorities said Banks has a bond set at $10,200 and also faces three active warrants tied to the wire theft investigation.

Sheron Nicole Nelon, charged with felony larceny, felony conspiracy, and offenses related to damaging utility wires and obtaining nonferrous metals. Officials said Nelon posted a $50,000 bond.

Joseph Clay Bryant, charged with obtaining property by false pretenses and felony conspiracy. His bond was set at $5,000.

Kevin Micheal Fox, charged with misdemeanor larceny, possession of stolen goods and offenses related to nonferrous metals. Authorities said Fox posted a $5,000 bond.

In a statement, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office District 1 Capt. Dustan Auldredge said investigators worked closely with AT&T personnel and multiple law enforcement agencies during the case.

“We appreciate the work our detectives with the Major Case and Property Crimes Division put in on this investigation,” Auldredge said. He also credited assistance from the Woodfin Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing.