A man from Branson has pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing copper wire.

Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell says 48-year old Robert Doughten will serve probation, pay restitution and perform community service after being given a suspended 15 year sentence as a prior and persistent offender.

Doughten was arrested in June following a report of a theft in progress at an Empire District Electric facility on BB Highway in Hollister. The Taney County Sheriff’s Office notified Hollister police, who intercepted Doughten on Business 65. Deputies recovered copper wire valued at nearly 3-thousand dollars from Doughten’s truck and home.