A member of an organized group of copper thieves faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty yesterday to charges including criminal property damage, theft of copper and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Diamantino Reis, 44, entered the plea before Circuit Judge Richard Perkins, who set sentencing for Dec. 17.

"In this case alone, members of this group caused more than $20,000 in damage at West Loch Golf Course," Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Franklin Pacarro Jr. said.

Reis and accomplices cut and removed more than 1,600 pounds of copper wire at the golf course in two thefts last September. He was caught Sept. 11 after cutting more wires but failing to remove them, said Pacarro.

Law enforcement agents who were staking out the golf course interrupted the third attempted theft and arrested Reis in a parked car, also charging him with drug offenses after they saw him throw a methamphetamine pipe away as they approached.

"His cohort got away, but we know who he is," Pacarro said.

Reis sold copper taken from the golf course to a recycling company for more than $3,500, the prosecutor said.

"We're finally resolving a number of these copper theft and criminal property damage cases," Pacarro said.

"With this plea, we intend to move forward and take down several others," he said.

Reis is awaiting sentencing in another criminal case for stealing more than $2,000 in cash and belongings from a former roommate.

Reis was a member of a group that operated from under a freeway overpass and targeted facilities belonging to city, state and federal governments, the prosecutor said.

"We will be seeking a 10-year prison term in this case," Pacarro said.