Crime & Safety

Wentzville Man Stole Extension Cord to Support Heroin Addiction, Police Say

Wentzville Police said Wesley Gerome Falter broke into a neighbor's attached garage and stole more than $500 in extension cords to sell the copper wire.

A Wentzville man focused on stealing electrical cords for the copper wiring, police said.

Wesley Gerome Falter, 22, of the 1400 block of Guthrie Road in Wentzville was charged Saturday with second-degree burglary, receiving stolen property, felony theft, second-degree property damage, bribery and drug paraphernalia possession.

Wentzville Police said on Sept. 26, Falter entered a detached garage, also in the 1400 block of Guthrie Road, by breaking a window. Falter stole extension cords valued at more than $500, police said.

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Police said Falter used gasoline to burn off insulation from the extension cords and then sold the copper wiring. Officers found gas cans, ends cut off electrical cords, two large wooden spools, partially unburned electric cord insulation in a burn pit and numerous electrical cords at Falter’s home.

Falter also had syringes and capsules with residue at the house, according to a court document. Police said Falter offered two officers $1,000 each to release him on the charges.

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Police said Falter admitted stealing the electrical cords and said he pawned chain saws to support his heroin addiction.

He is a suspect in thefts in Flint Hill, St. Paul and the Wentzville areas, according to a court document. He also was on probation for misdemeanor theft in 2011.

Falter is being held in the St. Charles County jail. Bail was set at $25,000, cash only.

 


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