Andres Samuel Contreras, 29, was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on a $50,000 bond for stealing T-Mobile cell site backup batteries. It is unknown why authorities took so long to arrest Contreras during his 66-site, seven-month crime spree since T-Mobile had been reporting the thefts after they occurred and also had surveillance videos.
A Phoenix, Arizona man faces 27 felony charges for allegedly stealing backup batteries used in cell towers across the area, threatening emergency communications during power outages.
According to an indictment, Andres Samuel Contreras, 29, is accused of stealing over 900 backup batteries from 66 T-Mobile cell tower sites between August 2024 and February 2025, resulting in over $330,000 in damages.
The stolen batteries, weighing over 100 pounds each and retailing for $300 or more, are essential for maintaining cellular connectivity during power outages. Cell towers cannot function without them, potentially cutting off access to 911 and other emergency services.
Contreras used his access to the towers to carry out the thefts. He reportedly intended to resell the batteries for as little as $20 each.
The indictment details charges of felony burglary, criminal trespassing, theft, and trafficking in stolen property. Contreras, employed by a company listed as “Paradox Power,” was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
However, according to the Arizona Republic, Contreras was terminated from Northstar Towers in October 2023 and was unemployed at the time of his arrest. He still possessed his Northstar ID badge and company-issued jacket, which he allegedly used to deliver and sell the stolen batteries to Southwest Batteries, a battery specialist in Buckeye. During an interview with the police, Contreras admitted to receiving approximately $20 per battery.
Following a search warrant, police recovered about 500 stolen batteries from Southwest Batteries, the records stated.
If convicted on all charges, including two Class 2 felonies for theft of controlled property and fraudulent schemes, one Class 4 felony for first-degree trafficking stolen property, 12 Class 4 felonies for third-degree burglary and unlawful entry, and 12 Class 5 felonies for criminal trespass, the individual could face up to 12.5 years in prison if the sentences are served concurrently. However, if the court orders consecutive sentences, the prison time could range from 28 to 97.75 years depending on mitigating or aggravating factors and judicial discretion.
According to court records, Contreras was previously arrested for burglary, theft, and criminal damage.
Many of the sites were reportedly Crown Castle-managed towers. Crown Castle has the exclusive right to lease and operate the T-Mobile towers until approximately 2040. The $2.4 billion agreement was inked in 2012.
Wireless Estimator has submitted a document request to the Phoenix Police Department for additional information regarding the thefts and will provide further details when they become available.