Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office recovers $147K in stolen copper, 4 arrested

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah ( ABC4 ) — Four people are in custody after deputies recovered nearly $150,000 worth of stolen copper on Thursday, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation started on Sept. 6, when deputies responded to a report of copper mold valued at $55,000 stolen from Rio Tinto Kennecott — an integrated copper mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City.

Through investigation, deputies identified two suspects — Hea Mahe, 36, and Duc Bui, 35. Deputies arrested both individuals on Sept. 10 and gained additional information leading to a search warrant for Ortiz Metal Processing in Salt Lake City.

Detectives served the warrant on Sept. 12, resulting in the recovery of over 10,000 pounds of stolen copper and the arrest of a third suspect — JL Fakalata, 35. The facility owner, Fabian Ortiz, 49, was also arrested on suspicion of purchasing stolen property.

During the search, detectives recovered the 8,600-pound copper mold valued at $55,000, as well as a 6,000-pound copper “button” valued at $30,000, and multiple copper plates valued at $62,500.

“Recovering this stolen property reflects the dedication and persistence of our detectives,” Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said. “Their commitment to solving this case and keeping our community safe is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

“Stolen metals are particularly difficult to recover, and an operation at this level not only returns assets to the rightful owners, but also deters future theft,” Attorney General Sean Reyes said. “We are grateful to work with such dedicated partners to protect our citizens and their property.”

Charges in this case are being screened.

No further information is available at this time.

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