Man charged with Amtrak wire theft

A Birdsboro man was jailed Friday after being charged with cutting signal lines and attempting to steal copper wire from an Amtrak rail line in West Whiteland Township, Chester County.

James F. Martin, 40, was jailed after he was unable to post $75,000 bail following a preliminary arraignment in Phoenixville District Court.

Martin was charged with theft by unlawful taking, risking catastrophe, criminal trespass, and related charges, according to court records.

Martin was spotted by an Amtrak repair technician about 1 p.m. at the Whiford Rail Station in Exton. He was arrested without incident.

- George Anastasia