Clayton, N.C. — Police have arrested two men in connection with the theft of copper and metal from the rear of a Clayton church.

Brian Antonio Everett, 31, of 200 Hunter Way, Clayton, and Edwin Darryl Matthews, 52, of 511 Oak Street, Smithfield, were arrested on Wednesday and charged with felonious larceny.

Both suspects are being held at Johnston County Jail, each on a $10,000 secured bond.

Early Wednesday morning, police were called to investigate the reported theft of a large amount of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and radiators from the rear of The Church at Clayton Crossing, at 11407 US Hwy 70 Business West. The materials, valued at more than $1,500, were associated with some large air conditioning units that the church was in the process of dismantling and recycling.

A tip that the stolen materials might have been taken to a local recycling center in Johnston County, led the officers to the arrests. At the recycling center, police located one suspect in the process of trying to sell the materials. He was arrested and further investigation lead to the arrest of a second subject as well.

All stolen items were recovered.