Dozens charged in Chatham County copper scheme
Nearly 50 people have been charged following a two-year investigation into the illegal sale of copper, Chatham County sheriff's deputies said Tuesday.
Posted — Updated
The investigation focused on Hayes Iron and Metal of Siler City, which authorities said was receiving copper without requiring sellers to show a permit. A 2012 state law requires anyone who possesses and transports more than 25 pounds of copper material to obtain a permit from the local sheriff and produce it at the business making the transaction.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigaton, including the Randolph, Moore Alamance and Lee county sheriff’s offices, Siler City police and the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
A total of 47 people were served with warrants or are being sought, Chatham Chief Deputy Gary Blankenship said.
Chatham deputies arrested the following people last week:
- Joshua Franks, 24, of 2339 Mount Vernon Springs Road, Siler City, was charged with transporting of copper-bearing material. He was released under a $1,500 unsecured bond.
- George Keck, 26, of 2208 Alex Cockman Road, Pittsboro, was charged with transportation of copper-bearing material. He was released under a $500 unsecured bond.
- Allen Jones, 37, of 883 Wellaway Lane, Siler City, was charged with failure to make/maintain records of metal, prohibited metal transactions, purchase a guard rail, purchase a regulated metal and impermissible payment method. He was released under a $1,000 unsecured bond.
- Nicholas McKenzie, 23, of 1208 Oxford St., Siler City, was charged with transportation of copper-bearing material. He was released under a $500 unsecured bond.
- Arthur Palmer, 29, of 2339 Mount Vernon Springs Road, Siler City, was charged with transporting copper-bearing material. He was released under a $1,500 unsecured bond.
- Melodye Hudson, 42, of 315 Hope Farm Road, Siler City, was charged with transportation of copper-bearing material. She was released under a $5,000 unsecured bond.
- Andrew Bass, 20, of 1688 Vander Oldham Road, Bear Creek, was charged with transportation of copper-bearing material. She was released under a $5,000 unsecured bond.
- Ronald Abercrombie, 51, of 1650 Vander Oldham Road, Bear Creek, was charged with transportation of copper-bearing material. She was released under a $5,000 unsecured bond.
- Brandon McCrimmon, 28, of 497 Edwards Hill Church Road, Siler City, was charged with transportation of copper. He was released under a written promise.
- James Cotton, 35, of 499 Edwards Hill Church Rd, Siler City,was arrested for transportation of copper. He was released under a written promise.
All suspects were scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 29.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
