Pair charged after cutting cables at cell tower that serves hundreds in the metro

UPDATE: Vincent pleaded guilty to first-degree property damage on Sept. 19. A judge sentenced Vincent to two years in prison, but suspended that sentence.

Vincent will serve two years of probation. As long as she successfully completes probation she will avoid prison.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Two people have been charged after they allegedly cut down cables at a cell tower near Independence Plaza that serves more than 1,700 customers in the Kansas City metro.

Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Tuesday, July 15, indicate that Haynah-Aoys H. Hoear, 35, and Courtney A. Vincent, 31, both of Kansas City, have been charged with damaging critical infrastructure.

A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City Police Department revealed that around 11:10 a.m. on Monday, law enforcement officials were called to a local cellular tower with reports of a disturbance.

When investigators arrived, they determined two individuals had broken into the fenced-in area and pulled down cables from the top of the wire bridge. Several electrical cabinets had also been cut into.

Law enforcement officials noted that they were advised that the suspects, later identified as Hoear and Vincent, had run. Hoear was located a short time later near 6th and Park Ave. Vincent was taken into custody near 10th and Prospect Ave.

A representative from the company that owned the cellular tower told investigators that as a result of the pair’s actions, power had been shut off at the meter boxes and the backup generators were turned off.

Investigators indicated that the cellular site is considered critical infrastructure as it provides service to more than 1,700 customers. It also provides high-speed home internet to 118 customers.

Law enforcement officials noted that the thefts of these cables has been an increasing trend across the metro throughout the past year. The crime can disrupt businesses, government and medical facilities.

In 2024, KCPD said cables cut in a similar fashion disrupted 911 services for both it and the Kansas City Fire Department. At least three of these incidents have resulted in the loss of all communications to the Jackson County Courthouse - both in Downtown Kansas City and Independence - as well as the Sheriff’s Office.

As a result, court documents noted that Hoear and Vincent have both been charged with damage to a critical infrastructure facility and trespassing. Hoear faces an additional trespassing charge.

If convicted, state statutes dictate that the pair could be sentenced to up to 7 years in prison and be ordered to pay a $10,000 fine each. Hoear could be sentenced up to an additional 6 months and be ordered to pay another $1,000 if convicted of both of his charges.

A bond review hearing has been set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, with a preliminary hearing expected at 1 p.m. on Aug. 13.