LAKELAND, FL (March 11, 2024) – On Thursday, March 7, 2024, around 10:30 a.m., Toby Ledford and Adam Byrd, both of Lakeland, were arrested on charges stemming from an investigation into multiple thefts of wire from light poles reported in various areas around the City of Lakeland.
Once Lakeland Police detectives began investigating the series of wire thefts, they identified Ledford and Byrd as possible suspects. Detectives observed Ledford driving a 2004 green Honda Element and stopped him in the 3000 block of Old Tampa Highway after committing multiple traffic violations. Detectives searched the vehicle and found numerous bundles of wire in the back of the vehicle which had just been stolen that morning from light poles in the area of Harden Boulevard and Parkway Frontage Road. In addition to the theft of wire, the light poles were damaged in the process. Tools to commit the thefts were also found in the vehicle (wire cutters, ratchet slicer, voltage meter, ban saws, a grinder and walkie talkies). While being interviewed, Ledford and Byrd admitted they were on their way to sell the wire to a scrapyard.
Ledford was charged with Dealing in Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More and Grand Theft $5,000 to $10,000. Byrd was charged with Dealing in Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More, Grand Theft $5,000 to $10,000, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
