Alleghany Sheriff's Office: Lumos Wire Larceny Reported Anthony D. Nicely Arrested In Connection With The Case; Jason K. Downey Also Arrested   Covington, VA​ (Feb. 1, 2016) - According to Sheriff Kevin Hall, Lumos Network reported to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office that someone has been cutting down active phone lines during the late night or early morning hours of January 14, 2016. This line carries internet and phone service to some Lumos Network customers on Route 687. Investigator Lt. R.C. Fridley responded to the scene to investigate the incident and soon learned there was over 300 feet of wire missing. During his investigation other locations were found missing over 100 feet of similar wire belonging to Lumos Network within Alleghany County and City of Covington area. Later that evening Lt .R.C. Fridley along with Alleghany County Deputies with the assistance of the Covington Police Department served a search warrant on 1059 Johnson Ave. Anthony D. Nicely of 1059 Johnson Street of Covington was arrested in connection with both Lumos Network cases was charged with two Counts of Felony Destruction of Property and two Counts of Grand Larceny. Also, during the search warrant the Covington Police Department was able to make an arrest on Jason K. Downey who was located inside the residence and wanted on other felony charges. Hall states “There are two similar cases in the Iron Gate and Cliftondale Park areas of the county, which occurred during winter of 2015 that have gone unsolved. “This investigation are ongoing”. Sheriff Hall also said we have had many citizens that went without phone or internet service throughout that 12 hour period. If there had been an emergency it could have turned out bad for them without having the capability to call for emergency services. This is unacceptable and we will work diligently to clear these cases. Anyone with information in these cases please contact LT.R.C.Fridley at 540-960-0340.

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