RCMP charge five suspects in relation to copper wire theft
Media Release - Alberta RCMP
October 6, 2026 at 10:18:05 p.m.

Alberta News
On Oct. 1, 2026, at approximately 4:34 a.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to a report of a copper wire theft in progress at the Syncrude ‘Giants of Mining’ Exhibit located on Highway 63, North of Fort McMurray. While police were responding, the suspects departed southbound on Highway 63 in a black GMC truck.
At approximately 5:10 a.m., the suspect vehicle was located by RCMP where a traffic stop was attempted. The suspect vehicle did not stop for Police and fled. Due to public safety concerns, a pursuit was not initiated.
Shortly thereafter, the suspect vehicle was located again by additional RCMP members on Highway 63, just south of Fort McMurray. Another traffic stop was initiated and this time, the suspect vehicle stopped.
Five occupants were located in the vehicle and placed under arrest without incident.
During a search of the occupants and vehicle incidental to arrest, Police located and seized approximately $15,000 in stolen copper wire, amounts of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, a conducted energy weapon (commonly known as a TASER) and bear spray.
A vehicle examination was also completed and was determined to be stolen with the VIN having been altered.
Jimmy Hulley, a 42-year-old male resident of Calgary, is facing charges:
Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a controlled substance
Possession of a weapon contrary to order
Hully was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing. He has since been released from custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Oct. 14, 2026.
Michaela Felice, a 25-year-old female resident of Rocky View County, is facing charges:
Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a controlled substance
Flight from peace officer
Fraudulent concealment
Tampering with vehicle identification number
Operate motor vehicle without valid registration
Operate motor vehicle without valid insurance
Felice was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing and was remanded into custody. She is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 19, 2026.
Travis Birch, a 46-year-old male resident of Rocky View County, is facing charges:
Possession of property obtained by crime
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a controlled substance
Birch was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing. He has since been released from custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Oct. 15, 2026.
Jaclyn Bateman, a 35-year-old female resident of Calgary, is facing charges:
Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime
Two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
Two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a controlled substance
Possession of break in instrument
Fail to comply with condition of release order
Bateman was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing and was remanded into custody. She is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 19, 2026.
Thomas Lemon, a 45-year old male resident of Calgary, is facing charges:
Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a controlled substance
Two counts of failure to comply with probation order
Lemon was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing and remains in custody. He is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 19, 2026.
Wood Buffalo RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. If you see suspicious activity, report it to police as soon as possible. Details like a licence plate, vehicle description or direction of travel can be valuable. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.










