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Eight members of the so-called "Get Money Squad" are in police custody and a ninth is sought, said District Attorney Matthew Weintraub's office.
Investigators say the organization targeted Verizon poles in Makefield, Warminster, Bensalem, and Bristol.
The crew would "case" poles throughout lower Bucks, climb up them when the coast was clear, and "lop off" the wires, prosecutors said. On the ground, they would burn off the plastic coating and remove the copper to sell as scrap, according to authorities.
Officials said the "Get Money Squad" even used the deadly flash floods in July as a pretext to scout out more poles. While rescue efforts were underway for two missing children, "Get Money" members allegedly posed as a search party to blend in.
"The joint investigation found the group took advantage of the tragedy because of the size of the wire in that location and because they knew law enforcement would be overwhelmed with rescue efforts," the DA's Office said.
Authorities said the copper thefts disrupted service to Verizon customers, including their access to 911.
The eight captured suspects are charged with corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, theft, and related counts, Weintraub said. They are:
- Ryan Jeffrey Potts, 33, of Bensalem
- Marianna Harkins, 36, of Bristol Township
- Michael John Cronon, 39, of Bristol Township
- Paige Eiseman, 33, of Bristol Township
- Frederick E. Lee Sr., 64, of Bristol
- Richard Machen, 43, of Bristol
- Nicholas Palmer, 27, of Bristol Township
- Raymond Gerald Paul Jr., 38, of Doylestown
Sought on similar charges is Kimberly Ann Mayger, 52, of Bristol.
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