An Apex man is linked to thousands of dollars of copper theft committed this month in Nash County.
Investigators believe Jonathan Phelps allegedly cut the outer fence of the solar farm on Winters Road in Bailey and took around 2,000 feet of copper wire from panels along with 40 connectors. 
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In a separate case involving another Solar Farm on Winters Road, investigators allege Phelps cut fencing and removed copper wiring connected to solar panels with reported losses totaling approximately $10,000.
Phelps faces charges for:
• Felony Injury to an Energy Facility
• Felony Injury to Property to Obtain Nonferrous Metals
• First-Degree Trespass on Infrastructure
• Felony Larceny
Phelps is now in jail. Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone said there’s domino effects for these thefts that affect the consumer.
“When something is stolen, somebody is going to have to pay for that, whether it’s at the cash register or it’s the company,” Stone said. “The company’s not going to take these losses, they’re going to pass it down, so obviously it hurts the community.”
“These solar farms have popped up across North Carolina, and usually they’re in remote areas,” Stone said. “When you have remote areas and you have people who are wanting to get money for drugs and things of that nature, obviously it becomes a target.”
“Unfortunately, thefts can happen anywhere, including infrastructure sites such as solar projects,” said Scott Mayo with Cypress Creek Energy. “Our projects are monitored 24/7 through video surveillance and other security measures to help ensure secure and safe operations at all times. In the event of any disruption or unauthorized activity, our teams respond promptly and work closely with the appropriate authorities and partners to minimize impacts because maintaining continuity of service is critical for the homes, businesses, and local communities across North Carolina that depend on reliable electricity every day.”
The increase in data centers and solar farms popping up across the country leads to increased opportunities for stealing copper, which Stone said can be sold in a quick turnaround. The price of copper rose roughly 30 percent in the U.S. in 2025. That increase is believe to be partially driven by the demand for energy brought on by AI data centers.
Those who operate theft rings are knowledgeable about how to remove the wiring and where to sell it.
“Copper brings a pretty good bit of money back for the return on the investment of taking a little bit of time going out there and stealing it, and it’s a quick sell for them,” Stone said.
Phelps was ordered not to return to the farms. He faces a $125,000 bond.

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