Lee County sheriff's deputies arrest man and woman accused of stealing utility cables

Deputies said Trevor Phillips, 34, and Carla Smith, 32, were arrested for allegedly stealing utility cables near Wilkins Drive. Deputies discovered cut wires and tools in their car and linked them to additional thefts. Facing multiple charges, both are set for a court appearance on February 11.

A Sanford man and woman are in jail after deputies say they stole utility lines in Lee County.

Trevor Dillon Phillips, 34, and Carla Kathleen Smith, 32, were arrested on Thursday after they were accused of cutting utility cables along Wilkins Drive near Boone Trail Road.

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Deputies said they noticed an unoccupied car on Wilkins Drive around 4 a.m. with a roll of cut wires and cables inside, along with tools commonly used to cut utility wire and cables.

While searching the area for the possible occupants, deputies said they found a section of cut cable and wires hanging from a nearby utility pole.

Both Phillips and Smith were found hiding in a nearby wooded area, deputies said. They were both arrested and face several charges, including theft of utility cables and wires as well as damage to utility infrastructure within the City of Sanford’s jurisdiction.

Deputies also said further investigation linked Phillips and Smith to similar utility damage discovered on Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the Steel Bridge Road area. Additional charges were filed by the sheriff's office, deputies said.

Deputies said Phillips and Smith were turned over to the Sanford Police Department. They are both expected in court on Wednesday, Feb. 11.