Man charged after allegedly damaging AT&T service in Pulaski County

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. – One man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he is accused of damaging AT&T service in Pulaski County.

According to Sheriff Bobby Jones with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, shortly before 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 49-year-old Maynard Rupert of Burnside was arrested after reports of trespassing at an AT&T tower at 246 Keno Road.

Authorities say an AT&T technician stated he had restored service at the tower earlier that day after repairing damage from a previous incident.

After he left, authorities say the techinication stated he received an alert the tower was offline again. Once he returned, authorities say he discovered a man leaving the equipment building within the fenced compound.

Authorities say the man then went into a wooded area, with the technician reporting he had found the lines cut again and signs the building door had been forced open.

Deputies say they searched nearby woods and spoke to residents, while the Pulaski County Special Response Team deployed a drone.

According to the sheriff’s office, while the drone was in the air, a man matching the provided description walked out of the woods.

Authorities say they identified the subject as Rupert and took him into custody. He was transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center.

Rupert faces charges of first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal trespassing (first offense), possession of burglary tools and third-degree burglary.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Sheriff Jones asks anyone with information about this crime, any other crime or suspected drug activity to contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at 606-678-5145 or the tip line at 606-679-8477. You may remain anonymous.