Man admits to theft of copper, power tools from National Forest work centers

Following a one-month delay because of the impending birth of his child, Roger Dale Woolum, Jr. was in federal court in London Thursday to plead guilty to his part in stealing more than $150,000 worth of copper pipes and power tools from Holly Bay and Grove work centers in Daniel Boone National Forest.

Woolum, 31, admitted to his part in using a "saws-all tool" to cut out the pipes and then taking the power tools along with a welder, lawn mower and air compressor. The thefts occurred over the course of two nights on Jan. 10 and Jan. 15. After the discovery of the initial burglary at the Grove Recreation Center, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Raymond Burkhart stated that he set up surveillance equipment that captured Woolum, Brandon Smith and Christopher Carter entering the area on the morning and afternoon of Jan. 15.

Burkhart added that after disabling the alarm system and forcing their way into the buildings, the burglars broke and tore out the pipes, causing extensive water damage to the building and items inside.

The subjects can be seen entering and leaving the building carrying out lengths of copper pipe," Burkhart stated previously.
Woolum told the court that the men took the copper pipe to the scrap yard and the tools and equipment to sell a pawnshop.
Burkhart identified Carter based on previous encounters with him in the course of his law enforcement duties.

Carter was later arrested in Harlan County and during and interview with Burkhart, identified Smith and Woolum as the other men on the videotape.

Woolum pleaded guilty aiding and abetting in theft of items valued over $1,000 and aiding and abetting the destruction of property valued over $1,000.

Before accepting Woolum’s plea, VanTatenhove reminded him that there is no guarantee what sentence he will receive when he returns to court on Dec. 7. Woolum faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $315,600 and restitution in the amount of $157,800.

VanTatenhove added that there is no parole in the federal system.

Carter, Samuel Keith Miller and Michael Hatfield have previously pleaded guilty to their part in the thefts.

Smith’s motion for rearraignment was granted Tuesday. He will return to court Sept. 7 for a rearraignment hearing.