Cape Girardeau County man charged with tampering, $12K damage to utility structures

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) – A Cape Girardeau County man has been charged after authorities said he tampered with large utility structures, causing an estimated $12,000 in damages.

Deputies and detectives with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office, along with Ameren technicians, inspected the structures near County Road 532 on Sept. 16 and found evidence of tampering and missing hardware.

Investigators later executed a search warrant at the home of Joseph Wissman, where they located tools believed to have been used in the tampering. During questioning, Wissman admitted involvement, authorities said.

The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Wissman with damage to a critical infrastructure facility, property damage in the first degree and stealing. A warrant was issued, and Judge A. Trueblood set bond at $50,000 cash only.

Authorities noted that charges are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.