A Colombian national illegally in the United States has been charged with stealing more than $5,000 in backup batteries from cell towers in Central Florida, a theft that authorities say threatened emergency 911 communications.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of 44-year-old John Serna of Miami. Investigators allege Serna and an unidentified accomplice used access codes from prior employment to break into cell tower sites in Polk and Highlands counties. 
The batteries serve as critical backup power for the towers. Judd emphasized the public safety risk.
“That battery charging that site is how you’re able to dial 911 in a life-or-death emergency,” Judd said. “So this is serious business.”
Serna was arrested by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office during its own investigation into similar thefts. Polk County detectives interviewed him at the Broward County Jail, where he confessed, according to Judd.
Serna faces multiple charges. His accomplice remains at large.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Serna, who could face deportation following resolution of the criminal case.
“Our goal is to send this thieving rascal back to his home country,” Judd said.
The investigation is ongoing.
