Charges Filed in Utility Wire Theft
District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges against Ralph Holloway, age 36, of Porterville, for wire theft at a public utility substation.
Halloway is charged with felony grand theft, receiving stolen property over $950, and misdemeanor possession of an ingestion device. The felony counts are enhanced with aggravating circumstances that the crimes involve great monetary value. Prosecutors filed charges on December 12, 2025.
It is alleged that between October 2025 and December 2025, Holloway accessed and removed copper wire from the Southern California Edison substation located in Porterville. Through efforts by the TCDA Bureau of Investigation, criminal investigators identified Holloway. The extent of the loss is estimated at over $20,000.
Shortly after his arrest on December 10, 2025, Holloway was transported to Riverside County for outstanding warrants concerning domestic violence. On December 18, 2025, Holloway was returned to Tulare County and arraigned in Superior Court late this afternoon. He pleaded not guilty and is being held on no bail. A preliminary hearing conference is scheduled for January 2, 2026, in Superior Court. If convicted of all charges, Holloway faces up to 3 years in prison.
Wire theft is a destructive crime that greatly hinders business, agriculture, and community resources, in addition to being extremely dangerous. The Office of the District Attorney will fully prosecute offenders.
Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the TCDA Bureau of Investigations at 559-636-5410.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Communications Director Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494