East County Copper Thief Gets 6 Years in Prison

A man who stole copper wire from at least 15 schools and businesses, causing $150,000 in damage, was sentenced today to six years in prison.

James David Solak, 22, pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts of burglary and vandalism in connection with the copper wire thefts that occurred over at least a two-month span.

Judge Laura Halgren ordered Solak to serve 3 1/2 years in a local jail and 2 1/2 years of mandatory supervision under the state's realignment law.

Solak was in the process of stealing components from a rooftop air conditioner in the 500 block of Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley when a detective investigating the spree of commercial thefts spotted him about 4 p.m. Jan. 30, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The investigator called in backup, and deputies surrounded the building, sheriff's Sgt. Greg Hampton said. After Solak climbed down to the ground, he made a failed attempt to escape on foot. During an ensuing struggle, an electric stun gun was used to subdue him, the sergeant said.

—City News Service