MCSO Arrests Three Suspects Following Copper Wire Theft at Energy Facility in Conroe

CONROE, TX -- On January 3, 2026, Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office District 1 Patrol responded to a theft in progress at HighMark Energy, located in the 12000 block of Moorehead Road.

The investigation began when a complainant reported seeing suspects on surveillance footage entering the property to cut copper wire from oil pumps and power poles. This criminal activity resulted in a significant reduction in oil production for the facility. It was discovered that the suspects had previously cut the wiring and staged it on-site with the intent of returning later that evening to retrieve the materials.

The reportee alerted MCSO Dispatch that the suspects, two males and one female, were on the property in a silver 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Although the vehicle fled the scene as deputies arrived, units quickly intercepted the Jeep and conducted a felony traffic stop at the intersection of FM 1314 and Creighton Road.

All three occupants were detained and identified as:

• 53-year-old John Stephenson, who is a documented gang member and currently on parole for Assault on a Peace Officer.

• 40-year-old Jessie Tipton

• 54-year-old Ana Watson, who had an active local warrant for Theft of Property with 2+ Prior Convictions.

MCSO Property Crimes detectives arrived on the scene to lead the investigation. All three suspects were arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of Criminal Instruments, with additional felony charges pending as the investigation continues.