SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT – Over 10,000 pounds of stolen copper were recovered Thursday in an extensive investigation that began at the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine, according to authorities.
The probe was initiated after an 8,600-pound copper mold, estimated to be worth $55,000, was reported missing on Sept. 6, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated.
On Tuesday, authorities apprehended Finaulahi Vailala, 36, and Duc Bui, 35, after surveillance footage captured them driving a Ford F-350 with a flatbed trailer past the mine’s security checkpoint. Once inside, the suspects allegedly commandeered another Kennecott flatbed truck, ventured into a scrap metal area, and used a forklift to load metal byproducts of the copper smelting process valued at around $25,000.
Officers stationed at the mine’s exit observed the suspects as they attempted to leave. Bui abandoned his vehicle and tried to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended, while Vailala was detained a short distance away. Both men were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of burglary and theft. Vailala also faced charges of criminal trespassing, while Bui was under investigation for receiving stolen property.
The investigation led detectives to Ortiz Metal Processing in Salt Lake City. According to a police affidavit, a nearby metal recycling plant, contracted with the mine, alerted authorities after Ortiz Metal attempted to sell them one of the stolen copper molds.
When officers arrived at Ortiz Metal Processing, they discovered over 10,000 pounds of stolen copper. The facility’s owner, Fabian Ortiz, 49, was arrested on Thursday. Detectives recovered the stolen mold, a 6,000-pound copper “button” valued at $30,000, and multiple copper plates worth $62,500. Additional suspects, Hea Mahe, 36, and JL Fakalata, 35, were also arrested. Fakalata admitted to stealing 50 copper anodes and was found with a Ruger handgun.
Mahe faced charges of criminal trespass, burglary, and theft, while Fakalata was booked for theft, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, possession of a controlled substance, and trespassing. Ortiz was also booked on suspicion of theft.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office remarked that recovering stolen metals is particularly challenging, and such operations not only return assets to their rightful owners but also act as a deterrent to future thefts.