In the scenic yet bustling area of Hampton Bays, NY, a cunning and persistent group of individuals orchestrated a series of thefts. Their target? Large quantities of copper, a valuable commodity, from a local business in 2022. The Southampton Town police have now, after a year-long meticulous investigation, apprehended four suspects involved in this audacious heist.
The incident first came to light on February 21, 2022, when officers were summoned to Esco Electric, situated on East Montauk Highway. This initial report was but the beginning of a series of similar occurrences. Between February 2022 and September 2023, there were six additional incidents of copper theft at the same location, all reported to the Southampton Town Police Department.
As the investigation deepened, the community’s response officers played a pivotal role. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of four individuals on separate dates in December 2023. The apprehended suspects included Kevin Eckert, a 42-year-old resident of Patchogue, Kelley S. Richardson, aged 53, from East Quogue, Frank O’Dwyer Blanco, a 32-year-old from Hampton Bays, and Anthony Blanco, aged 55, also from Hampton Bays.
Each of these suspects faced charges of third-degree grand larceny, a serious felony offense. They were subsequently arraigned in Southampton Town Justice Court.
The arrest of these individuals marks the end of a year-long investigation by the Southampton Town Police Department into repeated copper thefts at Esco Electric. The case highlights the perseverance and dedication of the law enforcement officers in ensuring the safety and security of local businesses. The successful resolution of this case also serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, reinforcing the message that such acts of theft will not be tolerated and will be pursued diligently by the police.
