HAMLET — Another man is facing charges related to the damage of telecommunications infrastructure.
Joseph Wayne Parrish, 44, is accused of pulling down AT&T cables and cutting them with bolt cutters on Monday, May 18.
In addition to the bolt cutters, police allegedly found Parrish in possession of a small hand saw and flashlight, as well as latex gloves and thick rubber gloves. Parrish was allegedly trying to break into the AT&T building on Main Street.
The Hamlet Police Department obtained a warrant for Parrish’s arrest, charging him with damage to AT&T fiber cables and possession of burglary tools. Both charges are felonies.
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office has filed similar charges against several individuals in recent weeks.
Parrish was booked into the Richmond County Jail where he is being held on a $50,000 secured bond. He was appointed an attorney at his first appearance Monday and his next court date is scheduled for May 28.
Online court records show Parrish has a pending misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia from 2025.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Parrish was convicted in 2023 on three counts of possession with intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance. His probation was revoked the following year and he served three months behind bars.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
