The Desha County Sheriff’s Office has announced the dismantling of a major copper theft operation following a months-long investigation that began in early November.
According to a press release issued Jan. 8, the investigation started on Nov. 4, 2025, when a local farmer reported discovering electric lines that had been cut on the north end of Choctaw Island. Deputies responding to the scene found that more than one mile of live copper electrical line had been cut and removed. Wire cutters and gloves were recovered from the area and collected as evidence.
As the investigation expanded, deputies and investigators began patrolling rural areas throughout Desha County and uncovered additional locations where copper lines had been cut and stolen. Evidence was gathered from each site as investigators worked to connect the crimes.
Sheriff’s Office officials say Lt. Mark Allen later discovered that a local resident—previously convicted of theft-related offenses in Desha County—had sold more than 5,000 pounds of copper to a scrap metal business in Lake Village. Investigators say that information helped solidify the case and identify multiple suspects.
Through continued investigative efforts, deputies obtained enough evidence to establish probable cause, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants for four individuals.
The following arrests have been made in connection with the case:
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Brian Dillard Dunnahoe, 24, of Kelso, was arrested on Dec. 12, 2025, and charged with theft of scrap metal, possession of firearms by certain persons, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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John A. Hicks, 41, of Tillar, was arrested on Dec. 15, 2025, and charged with theft of scrap metal.
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Brandon McPherson, 23, was arrested on Dec. 29, 2025, and charged with theft of scrap metal.
A fourth suspect, William Bradley Deaton, 31, of Dermott, remains at large. Authorities say Deaton has an active warrant for theft of scrap metal.
Entergy officials estimate the cost to replace the damaged electrical lines exceeds $100,000. The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.
