Alleged East County Copper Thieves Going to Trial

Two East County residents accused in a three-month run of that
cost Lakeside-area construction companies over half a million dollars must stand trial on grand theft, conspiracy and other charges, a judge ruled today.

Ronald Wayne Hyde, 50, and Christine Louise Vandecar, 47, were arrested
Jan. 5 after being watched by Sheriff's deputies for weeks, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Their alleged spree of thefts lasted from October through January.

El Cajon Judge John Thompson ruled that enough evidence had been presented for the defendants to stand trial. A readiness conference is set for April 4, and trial for April 25.

"The (thieves) in the cases would use the cover of darkness and, in many cases, bad weather to sneak onto the properties to cut out heavy-gauge copper wire from heavy equipment and machinery,'' Deputy Karl Miller said at the time. "Damage to the property, machinery and equipment would often render it unusable, causing substantial monetary loss to the affected businesses.''

Seven companies, all along Route 67, north of Willow Road, were victimized, Miller said.

The scrap metal recycling centers where they tried to cash in the copper helped authorities identify the suspects and where the copper came from, based on identifying numbers on the copper.

When totalling lost earnings, stolen metals and equipment damage, damage estimates come to over $500,o00, Miller said.

Hyde is being held on suspicion of 15 counts of grand theft and conspiracy, while Vandecar was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine for sale.

The preliminary hearing will decide if there is enough evidence to take the case to trial.

City News Service contributed to this report.