Wausau Man Accused of Cutting Internet Cable Now Facing Theft Charges

Friday, October 27th, 2023 -- 1:01 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A homeless Wausau man accused of cutting a Spectrum internet cable, causing a widespread outage on the city’s west side, is now facing new charges related to theft.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, George Wood now faces two counts of theft of movable property valued at more than $2,500. Details of the charges are unclear at this time, though court records indicate they were filed earlier this month.

Those charges also include two counts of bail jumping. The 56-year-old was free on bond at the time of the incident. The new charges have been rolled in with the count of criminal damage to a utility’s infrastructure that was filed last August.

In that case, Wood is accused of cutting a copper line that provides internet service to Spectrum residential and business customers on the west side. Officers say city surveillance cameras and tips from the public helped identify Wood as a suspect.

He had been scheduled for a plea hearing in the case but failed to show up. Other charges against Wood include theft of less than $500 worth of goods from a Wausau Kwik Trip.

He has been ordered to have no contact with the store as a condition of his bond. Wood is scheduled for a court appearance on Wednesday, further court action against him is pending.

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