Clinton Man Arrested for Theft and Damage at Davenport Cellular Service Site

A 41-year-old man from Clinton, UK, was taken into custody on Monday following allegations of his involvement in thefts and damage at a cellular service site in Davenport earlier this year.

Thefts and Damage Reported in August

On 21st August, local authorities responded to a report of theft and property damage at a cellular service site located on the 5600 block of East 76th Street. The site is jointly operated by AT&T and Verizon.

According to police, it is alleged that between 19th and 21st August, the accused, Thomas Jepsen, unlawfully entered the secure cellular service site by breaching a privacy fence. Once inside, he proceeded to cause damage to utility meters belonging to Verizon and stole six large batteries and two smaller ones from the same company. Additionally, Jepsen forced his way into a utility shack on the site and removed copper wiring from several service boxes owned by AT&T.

In affidavits, the police estimate that the cost of repairing or replacing the stolen and damaged property belonging to Verizon exceeds $6,000. Similarly, the cost of repairing or replacing the stolen and damaged property belonging to AT&T is valued at $22,569.21.

As a result of the extensive damages, the cellular site remained inoperative for several months while repairs were carried out, as stated in the affidavits.

During the investigation, latent fingerprints were lifted from inside the site. One of the fingerprints, found on the front of a cabinet door, was identified as belonging to Thomas Jepsen.

Despite being taken into custody, Jepsen refused to provide any statement to the officers involved in the case. Presently, he is being held at the Scott County Jail.