Kentucky’s New Critical Infrastructure Law Leads to First Arrests in Louisville

Kentucky’s recently strengthened protections for critical infrastructure are already making an impact, with multiple arrests in Louisville marking some of the first cases charged under the newly amended first-degree criminal mischief statute.

Sen. Brandon Storm, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and sponsor of Senate Bill 64, applauded the swift action of law enforcement following reports of damage to vital infrastructure and copper theft. “These arrests show the importance of the work the legislature did in passing Senate Bill 64 earlier this year,” Storm said. “I commend the Louisville Mayor’s Office and our law enforcement community for acting quickly to protect vital services and the people who depend on them.”

The arrests came after a coordinated investigation involving the Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Third Division Detective Unit, LMPD Technology Operations, and the Critical Infrastructure Task Force. Authorities say the case began with a tip from a local scrap yard about sales of burnt wire matching materials used by AT&T and other providers. Seven individuals were arrested, with at least one facing charges under the updated statute.

Senate Bill 64, which carried an emergency designation and took effect on March 19, expanded the scope of facilities covered under Kentucky’s criminal mischief laws. It also increased penalties for theft and damage to critical infrastructure, particularly for copper and other high-value materials frequently targeted by thieves.

Storm emphasized that protecting infrastructure is as important in rural areas as it is in urban centers. “While this case involves Louisville, the threats to critical infrastructure there are no different than the ones faced by rural communities in eastern Kentucky,” he said. “Vigorous enforcement helps protect every Kentuckian, no matter where they live.”

The senator credited the success of the law’s early enforcement to the collaboration between legislators, law enforcement, and community partners. “A law is only as good and effective as those who faithfully uphold it and see that it is carried out,” Storm noted.

As the 2025 Interim Session continues in Frankfort, lawmakers are reviewing the implementation of recently passed legislation like Senate Bill 64 and preparing for the 2026 Regular Session, set to begin January 6. Storm said protecting critical infrastructure will remain a top priority for Kentucky’s public safety efforts moving forward.