Portland police have arrested the leader of a copper wire fencing operation, Dedri White, who processed over $487,000 worth of stolen metal. The operation began in May after police noticed an increase in communication lines being cut and sold for scrap. Police believe White used business credentials to accept stolen copper and sell it to recycling facilities, where she paid people who brought it in and kept a portion of the profits. She has been charged with money laundering, theft, and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief. Additional charges are pending.