RALEIGH COUNTY, WV — Augusta Ardella Chapman has been charged with felony grand larceny after stealing three air conditioning units valued at over $9,000, the West Virginia State Police reported.
The thefts occurred between April 1 and 3, 2025. The victim placed an Apple AirTag on the third unit to prevent further losses. The tracking device led police to a location where Chapman and another individual were found in a red pickup truck loaded with scrap metal.
When confronted, Chapman and the driver admitted to scrapping metal from nearby buildings. Police recovered parts of the stolen AC units and other items believed stolen, including a piece of gutter.
The suspects fled on foot when police arrived, leaving the vehicle behind. Chapman was arrested and charged with grand larceny and destruction of property. She is held at Southern Regional Jail on a $50,000 bond.
