Copper Thief Caught Red Handed

Augusta, GA—- Donald Thompson brought this old car wash a month ago.  It was in the of process being renovated when two thieves decided to steal some copper. Richmond County investigators say one suspect is in police custody and another is on the lose. Authorities say thanks to witnesses they were able to make an arrest.

Investigator Kendall Brown, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office: “It is a big thing right now with the economy the way that is. Gas prices are high, unemployment is high. People are going to scrap considering that to be a legitimate way of making money, when in fact it isn’t.“

Fraendy Clervaud, Reporting: “Investigators say the two suspects cut the copper tubing from this ac unit. But when they did that they didn’t realized they released fumes that are hazardous to our health.

Investigator Brown: “Freon is a toxic gas. It’s an EPA violation which carries a fine of up to $5,000. It’s like an aerosol its harmful to the environment.

Thompson says situations like these show why investigators need to crack down on crooks who sell stolen scrap metal. He would like the Sheriff’s Office to hire deputies to work at all local metal centers.

Thompson: “I think the same people take scrap in day after day and common sense will tell you they don’t have all this copper they are getting it somewhere.

Authorities say because Freon was released into the air, apart from criminal charges, the suspects could also face an additional fine up to $5,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Last month, several local law enforcement agencies formed the CSRA Copper Metal Task Force. The group is scheduled to meet this month to discuss more ways they can help reduce these types of crimes.