Delaware State Police have taken into custody a 41-year-old man from Shannon, North Carolina, on charges related to stealing copper wire worth more than $26,000 from a Laurel solar construction site.
Gerardo Carmona Hernandez was apprehended following an investigation that began when officers were called to the 8000 block of Woodland Ferry Road in Laurel around 7:45 a.m. on June 8, 2026, regarding a theft report. Investigators determined that someone had taken approximately 2,000 feet of copper wire between June 4th and June 8th.
During their probe, officers discovered that a man later identified as Hernandez had brought copper wire to Fitzgerald’s Salvage and Recycling in Lincoln on June 5th, then returned on June 8th with additional copper wire to sell. When police arrived at the salvage facility, they confirmed the copper wire matched what had been taken from the construction site. Although Hernandez had already left, officers waited for his return and observed him operating a Chevrolet Colorado. A records check revealed he lacked a valid driver’s license and the vehicle was not insured. He was arrested peacefully.
Police learned that Hernandez was employed by the solar field construction company. Following his arrest, he was transported to Troop 5, where he faced multiple charges before being arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance.
The charges against Hernandez include:
- Theft over $1,500 (Felony)
- Theft by False Pretense over $1,500 (Felony)
- Selling Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
- Attempt to Sell Stolen Property over $1,500 (Felony)
- Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree
- Falsifying Business Records – 2 counts
- Driving without a Valid License
- Failure to Have Required Insurance
- Several Traffic Offenses
