Former AT&T employee accused of stealing thousands in copper wire

Elberth Luna, 38, charged with theft

SAN ANTONIO – Elberth Luna, 38, has been arrested on a theft charge for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars' worth of copper wire from his employer, AT&T.

An arrest warrant affidavit said that investigators with the state Department of Public Safety became aware last November that Luna had been selling large amounts of copper wire to a scrap metal yard in the 200 block of Old Highway 90 West.

The affidavit lists dozens of transactions that were made between January 2016 and February 2017. It said that Luna received more than $16,000 as a result of those sales.

AT&T, however, valued the stolen wire at more than $55,000, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said that Luna worked for AT&T, delivering copper wire to various locations.

Investigators said that when they confronted Luna about the thefts, he initially denied any involvement. However, they said he later admitted taking the wire and re-selling it because he was having financial difficulties, the affidavit said.

Luna was booked into jail Thursday.

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About the Author:

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.