More arrests made in copper wire theft case

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Guam Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division arrested two more people in connection with an ongoing investigation into stolen copper wire. Two men are being held behind bars on $10,000 cash bail.  Their arrests are tied in with last week's major copper wire bust that stemmed from a police informant providing critical information that led to the recovery of eight tons of stolen copper wire and multiple arrests.

26-year-old Julieon Edward Quichocho Kim of Dededo was arrested Thursday night on numerous charges to include burglary, criminal facilitation, three counts theft by receiving stolen property, three counts theft of property, crimes against the community and attempted theft of property.

According to court documents, Kim broke into Wettengel Elementary School back on December 21 with the intent to steal copper wire. The plan was foiled though when police arrived on the scene and he fled.

The magistrate's complaint states that Kim admitted to burglarizing Wettengel with Freddy Susuico, but when police spotted them they fled leaving behind a bag of tools. Although he was arrested on numerous charges he was only charged in court today with burglary and theft.

Meanwhile police also arrested 45-year-old Robert Dean Terlaje of Dededo. Police have not released information about his role in the alleged copper wire thefts. He was arrested Thursday night and charged with possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, four counts of burglary, theft of property, theft by receiving stolen property, guilt establish by complicity and child abuse.

However in court today, he was only charged with possession of a schedule ii controlled substance. According to court documents, police recovered crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during one of three search warrants executed at homes in Dededo last Friday.

Terlaje allegedly admitted that the drugs were his and that he had purchased them from Susuico. Police have said they believe Susuico worked with Terrance Meno, Eric Faisao and Albert Taimanglo to steal the copper wire.

The men are being held behind bars on $50,000 cash bail.

Meanwhile two investigations are underway into Viba Recycling in Harmon where the eight tons of copper wire was recovered.  Viba had been accepting the stolen copper wire in exchange for cash allegedly before they obtained the necessary solid waste processing facility permit from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.

Police have said the owners are cooperating and have voluntarily stopped operating. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency's Solid Waste Management Program is actively investigating whether they were operating illegally which could result in the revocation or suspension of their permit and the imposition of penalties.

Guam EPA administrator Eric Palacios says the agency is working with its legal counsel to determine the agency's next step regarding Viba's permit.