According to a press release from the Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton, troopers were alerted on March 2, 2026, after the Hazleton barracks experienced emergency phone outages. The issue prompted an investigation that determined someone had cut Verizon telecommunications lines along Dessen Drive in West Hazleton Borough, near the state police station.
Authorities say approximately 150 feet of copper wire was removed from a utility pole during the incident. Verizon personnel estimated the damage and stolen materials resulted in a loss of about $5,000. The damage also caused the Hazleton barracks to lose emergency telephone communications for several days while repairs were completed.
Troopers from the PSP Hazleton Criminal Investigation Unit conducted a detailed investigation that led to the identification of a suspect.
Police say Daniel Igo, 38, of Barnesville, was taken into custody and charged with felony theft and related offenses in connection with the incident.
The charges were filed through Magisterial District Court 11-3-04 before Magisterial District Judge Dixon. He was arraigned on Monday, March 9th, 2026 and released on $20,000 unsecured bail.
He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on March 31st, 2026 in Luzerne County.