SAN ANTONIO – A man is facing multiple legal charges after allegedly stealing copper from a CPS Energy facility, resulting in damages exceeding $3,000, according to an arrest warrant. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding theft and vandalism at critical infrastructure sites.
Genaro Jesus Rivera Jr., 39, was apprehended on Tuesday and is charged with theft of material, criminal mischief, and damage to critical infrastructure, as indicated in jail records. The theft incident took place on February 5, 2026, at CPS Energy’s facility located in the 8900 block of Old Corpus Christi Highway.
According to a CPS Energy investigator, surveillance video captured Rivera’s actions during the theft, providing crucial evidence for the case. The incident report, alongside the video footage, was shared with a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agent who is overseeing the investigation.
On the morning of the theft, Rivera was contacted by San Antonio police officers, leading the DPS agent to request bodycam footage of the interaction. This footage revealed that Rivera possessed several items that raised suspicion, including red bolt cutters and previously cut cables of copper wire.
Notably, Rivera was seen wearing the same clothing during the police encounter that was captured in the surveillance video provided by the CPS Energy investigator. The video also depicted him in proximity to the area where the copper wire was cut and showed him attempting to escape by jumping over a security fence.
The total estimated damages caused by Rivera’s actions amounted to $3,068, which encompassed not only the value of the stolen copper but also overhead costs and necessary repairs to the facility, as documented in court records.
Currently, Rivera is being held in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center with a bond set at $90,000 for the three separate charges against him. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and the legal consequences that can arise from such criminal activities.
