Auburn man charged with stealing copper wire from Verizon tower in SeaTac

Jason Dean Warter, a 39-year-old man from Auburn, has been charged with second-degree burglary and first-degree theft after breaking into a Verizon Wireless cell tower facility in SeaTac and stealing approximately 40 feet of copper wire valued at $50,000. The incident, which took place on January 24, 2024, caused nearly $10,000 in damage to the facility. Investigators found Warter's fingerprints inside the building and on a sticker at an adjacent AT&T tower, along with surveillance footage that matched his appearance. Although two other individuals were present in a parked van at the scene, they were released due to a lack of evidence linking them to the theft. Warter's extensive criminal history, which includes 45 previous warrants and various convictions, has led prosecutors to request a bail amount of $50,000 and restrictions against contact with Verizon, AT&T, and Dish Wireless.

As of February 11, 2025, he remains in custody at the King County Correctional Facility. His next court appearance is anticipated later this month, as authorities continue to scrutinize his extensive criminal record. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding property theft and criminal behavior in the region.