PHOENIX — A Buckeye man is facing multiple charges after allegedly orchestrating a series of break-ins at cell towers across Arizona, stealing high-value communication equipment and reselling it online, police announced.
Jeremiah Ramage, 38, was taken into custody last Thursday following an investigation that linked him to more than 35 cell tower burglaries statewide, according to the Buckeye Police Department. The stolen equipment — including industrial-grade routers and other telecom hardware — is estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars.
Police said Ramage has been booked on charges of burglary, theft, and trafficking stolen property.
Investigation began with local break-in
The case began unfolding on June 10, when Buckeye officers responded to a reported break-in at a cell tower located in the Tartesso community near Sun Valley Parkway. Officers discovered that costly communications equipment had been removed, prompting detectives to launch a broader investigation.
When detectives partnered with T-Mobile during the course of the investigation, they uncovered a pattern of similar thefts at cell sites stretching throughout the Phoenix area. The break-ins, which targeted sensitive and expensive telecom infrastructure, appeared to follow a consistent method.
Authorities later found that some of the stolen equipment was being sold through online marketplaces like eBay, where highly specialized devices were listed under suspicious circumstances.
Suspect arrested during traffic stop
Investigators eventually identified Ramage as a suspect based on leads gathered from online sales and surveillance data. Last Thursday, officers located him driving near Sun Valley Parkway and Thomas Road in Buckeye and pulled him over.
During the traffic stop, officers found a stash of equipment in the truck, which they linked to tower burglaries in southern Arizona. A stolen handgun was also recovered from the vehicle, raising additional concerns about the nature of the crimes.
Following the arrest, detectives served a search warrant at Ramage’s residence, where they reportedly discovered a large stockpile of stolen telecom components. The items, officials said, were traced back to multiple wireless carriers, indicating the scope of the thefts spanned more than just a single network.
Broader impact and investigation
Telecommunications theft can disrupt service to thousands of people and impact critical systems, including emergency communications. Police said they are continuing to work with cell service providers to determine the full extent of the damage and to recover more stolen items.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have purchased telecom equipment online in recent months to check its source and report suspicious listings or sales to law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, more charges may be filed.
