Burke County Deputies Charge Man With Stealing More Than A Mile Of Cable

On March 17, Brightspeed Internet reported to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office the larceny of internet data cables being stolen from utility poles located in the area of Mineral Springs Mountain Road near Nobby Lail Road. Brightspeed Internet reported that over 6,400 feet of internet data cable had been stolen on multiple dates over the past month.

On March 18th, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Division began investigating the incident.

A witness in the area provided a detailed description of a suspect vehicle observed in the vicinity of the damaged cable lines. The vehicle was described as a silver Toyota Tundra, and they were able to provide the NC license tag that was displayed on the vehicle. Deputies located the truck at a residence on Nobby Lail Road. Fue Lee, age 30, was found to be in possession of the Toyota Tundra.

Detectives were able to determine that Lee had sold copper at a scrap yard multiple times in the month of March. Lee was arrested without incident and and was taken before the magistrate, receiving a $25,000 secured bond.

This investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.

Photo: Burke County Sheriff’s Office