Missouri Lawmakers Consider Tougher Penalties for Telecom Crimes

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri could soon strengthen penalties for crimes involving telecommunications infrastructure as lawmakers respond to a rise in thefts and service disruptions across the state.

State Senator Mike Henderson, R-Desloge, who represents Missouri’s 3rd District in east-central Missouri, says criminals are increasingly targeting materials such as copper, brass, aluminum, and fiber lines. These thefts often result in damaged or severed communication lines, disrupting wireless and cellular service for entire communities. Henderson says the loss of cell service can create serious public safety concerns, especially since many residents no longer rely on landline phones. Disruptions can limit access to emergency services, placing elderly residents and others who depend on wireless communication at greater risk.

Under current Missouri law, damage under $750 is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Damage between $750 and $25,000 is charged as a Class E felony, while damage exceeding $25,000 is classified as a Class D felony. Henderson says the existing penalties are not serving as a strong enough deterrent to prevent these crimes.

The proposed legislation aims to address those concerns by tightening rules and penalties, particularly in cases where telecom disruptions pose a threat to public safety. Henderson says the bill has bipartisan support and is designed to prevent major incidents before they occur, rather than responding after a serious emergency such as a 911 outage.

The most severe penalties under the proposal would apply to cases that result in the highest levels of damage or the most significant service disruptions.