On November 4th, 2025 a farmer reported finding electric wire cut on the north end of Choctaw Island. Deputies responded to the scene and found that over one mile of live copper electric line had been cut and removed. Wire cutters and gloves were located and taken for examination. Investigators and deputies began riding in rural areas of the county and found other areas where lines had been cut and removed. More evidence was gathered from each location.
Lt. Mark Allen also discovered that a local resident, who had been previously convicted of theft in Desha County, had sold over 5000lbs of copper at a scrap metal business in Lake Village. Through persistent investigations, the Sheriff’s Office gathered enough evidence for probable cause and four suspects, and arrest warrants were issued.
24 year old Brian Dillard Dunnahoe of Kelso was arrested on 12/12/2025 and charged with Theft of Scrap Metal, Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
41 John A. Hicks of Tillar was arrested 12/15/2025 and charged with Theft of Scrap Metal.
23 Year old Brandon McPherson was arrested 12/29/2025 and charged with Theft of Scrap Metal.
31 year old William Bradley Deaton of Dermott, has an active warrant for his arrest for Theft of Scrap Metal, and is currently still at large.
Entergy executives estimate replacement costs for the lines to be well over $100,000. The case is still under investigation and more arrests may follow.
