Man Accused of Stealing High-Tech Equipment from Cellphone Towers
A man is currently in jail after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of high-tech equipment from cellphone towers across Arizona. According to local authorities, 38-year-old Jeremiah Ramage is suspected of breaking into over 35 T-Mobile cellphone towers in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He then reportedly sold the stolen items on eBay.
The incident came to light on June 10 when police responded to a break-in at a cellphone tower located near Interstate 10 and Sun Valley Parkway. Upon arrival, officers discovered that expensive equipment, including an industrial router, had been taken. Further investigation by detectives revealed that the stolen goods were being sold online, and they traced the information back to Ramage, who was previously a contractor for the company.
After obtaining a warrant, investigators placed a hidden GPS tracker on Ramage’s pickup truck. Court documents indicate that this device later showed Ramage’s movements during the times and locations of six T-Mobile cell tower burglaries between July 14 and 17 in various cities, including Phoenix, Casa Grande, Glendale, Marana, and Tucson.
On July 17, detectives spotted Ramage driving near Sun Valley Parkway and Thomas Road and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, they found cell tower equipment linked to burglaries in southern Arizona, a 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen in Glendale, and cocaine. At his home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of items belonging to different cellphone service providers.
Ramage has been charged with multiple offenses, including burglary, theft, trafficking stolen property, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. His case is now under further legal review.
Investigation Details
The investigation began with a single break-in at a cellphone tower, which led to a broader probe into similar incidents across the region. Detectives used digital footprints left by Ramage on online marketplaces to track down the source of the stolen equipment. The use of a GPS tracker proved instrumental in linking Ramage to several specific locations where the thefts occurred.
This case highlights the growing issue of theft targeting critical infrastructure, such as cellphone towers, which are essential for maintaining communication networks. The stolen equipment not only represents a financial loss but also poses potential risks to public safety and service continuity.
Legal Consequences
With multiple charges against him, Ramage faces significant legal consequences if convicted. The charges include serious offenses such as trafficking stolen property, which carries heavy penalties. Additionally, the discovery of a firearm and narcotics on his person adds to the severity of the situation.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of vigilance in protecting infrastructure from criminal activity. This case serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing efforts to secure critical facilities and prevent unauthorized access.
Ongoing Investigations
While Ramage is currently in custody, authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the thefts and any potential involvement of others. They are also working to recover all stolen equipment and ensure that it is returned to the rightful owners.
Local communities are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. The cooperation of residents plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement combat crime and protect public assets.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jeremiah Ramage underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the use of modern technology in solving complex cases. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure from theft and vandalism. As the legal process unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how this case is resolved and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
