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Two men accused of doing $32K in damage to Dolomite facility while stealing copper wire

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy resident recently accused of stealing live high voltage wire from industrial facilities in Genesee and Monroe counties is facing a new accusation stemming from the alleged theft of stealing copper wire from Dolomite, 8250 Gulf Road, Le Roy.

This time, Michael A. Nicometo 28, 45 North St., Le Roy, allegedly had a partner.

Also arrested following the Sheriff's Office investigation was Jonathan D. Smeak, 22, of State Street Road, Batavia.

Both men are charged with three felonies: burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, and grand larceny, 3rd.

The two men are accused of doing $32,000 in damage to Dolomite's electrical system.

The Sheriff's Office began investigating the case after receiving reports of a large amount of copper wire being cut from the facility in January and February.

Nicometo was arrested earlier this month and charged with burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony, grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony, and criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony.

He was accused of stealing high voltage wire that was still live from buildings in Le Roy.

Doug Yeomans

High voltage wire is a misnomer. All wire can be high voltage wire. What they're talking about is service entrance wire. The company I work for has 4160 volt, 3 phase services coming into "some" buildings and then step-down transformers reduce that voltage to 480, 277, 208/220 and 120 volt services.

Any wire can be cut live with the right equipment and know-how. It's not the smartest thing to do by thieves, but they obviously knew what they were doing.

Mar 22, 2013, 9:35am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Yeah I'm assuming they might have known what they were doing Doug. If they didnt the police would have had a far easier time finding these culprits....

High voltage wire is no joke I have seen a squirrel become a flashbulb touching a high voltage wire in the wrong spot....a mini clap of thunder, a flash and a little squeak and she was all done, I mean well done LOL

Mar 22, 2013, 9:43am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

I saw on his facebook page that he does electrical work. He had access to all of the equipment and that's actually how the police narrowed down the suspect list.

I've seen crispy seagulls and raccoons at work after they managed to crash power to various parts of the site. There's a picture floating around the web of two guys that were fried while trying to steal wire using bolt cutters. They both looked like grilled ribs.

Mar 22, 2013, 11:03am Permalink
Scott Blossom

I got quite a charge when I first read of the arrest of this individule. Now it's been amped up with the inclusion of a partner. Just the thought of this type of crime shocks me. Let alone I find the brazeness of this crime electrifying. I hope these two can be helped with councilors and become transformers. Maybe they should meditate in their cells, legs crossed, hands together, and quietly chant - ohm.

Mar 22, 2013, 5:18pm Permalink
Scott Blossom

Not bad Jack. I don't want to accused of impedance or applying resistance, but I think we both better keep our day jobs. At least this story has us wired!

Mar 22, 2013, 10:23pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

This story has really sparked some creativity.
Watt were they thinking? Their carreers as criminals has really been short circuited.
I hope they're grounded for a very long time.
Maybe the message that crime doesn't pay will be relayed. Hopefully, the judge will socket to them.
At this point, I'm positivly sure I'm done, don't want to generate any negative votes.

Mar 24, 2013, 10:17am Permalink

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