Asheville, N.C. – Candler Man Sentenced to Serve at Least 10 Years in Prison for Copper Wire Theft and Dozens of Charges

Asheville, N.C. – Candler Man Sentenced to Serve at Least 10 Years in Prison for Copper Wire Theft and Dozens of Charges

Officials said 53-year-old Danny Mack Akins, Jr., of Candler, was sentenced on Monday, May 13, 2024, to serve a minimum active term of imprisonment of 120 months and a maximum term of 156 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

Candler Man Sentenced to Decade Behind Bars

A man who authorities say is a habitual felon will spend at least a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to dozens of felony charges on Monday, May 13, in Buncombe County Superior Court.

Officials said 53-year-old Danny Mack Akins, Jr., of Candler, was sentenced on Monday to serve a minimum active term of imprisonment of 120 months and a maximum term of 156 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

Charges and Admissions

Danny Mack Akins, Jr. pleaded guilty to a multitude of charges, including Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon, Felony Breaking and Entering, Felony Larceny, Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, and more. Akins also admitted to being a Habitual Felon.

Previous Convictions and Recent Crimes

The Buncombe County DA mentioned Akins’ previous conviction for First Degree Kidnapping and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in 2011. Subsequently, Akins was involved in various criminal activities, including theft of catalytic converters, wire theft from cell phone towers, and chop shop activity.

Significant Theft Ring

Akins played a significant part in a large theft ring responsible for stealing over $300,000 worth of wire owned by AT&T Incorporated. The group would steal wire, burn it to extract metal, and then sell the metal to scrap yards across Western North Carolina.

Community Cooperation and Accountability

Authorities thanked all cooperating agencies, employees of AT&T and Snow Creek Landscaping, scrap metal yards, and other witnesses who helped in apprehending Akins. District Attorney Todd Williams expressed appreciation for the community’s cooperation in holding Akins accountable for his crimes.

Restitution and Court Orders

Judge Poovey ordered Akins to pay over $100,000 in restitution and court fees, in addition to having no contact with the victims.