BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — A 44-year-old man from Brownstown was arrested early Sunday morning for allegedly stealing scrap metal from First Choice Heating and Cooling, according to police reports.
Casey Cockerham was booked into the Jackson County Jail at 2:06 a.m. He faces preliminary charges including:
Theft
Criminal trespass
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle
Most of these charges are misdemeanors, but the theft charge could be elevated to a Level 6 felony if the stolen property’s value is between $750 and $50,000.
Sheriff Rick Meyer said Officer Isaiah Thomas spotted a suspicious light at the business while on routine patrol in the 900 block of East U.S. 50. Upon investigation, Cockerham was found near the building with totes filled with stolen scrap metal.
During the arrest, officers also found methamphetamine, syringes, and paraphernalia in Cockerham’s possession.
“This arrest is a direct result of a deputy being proactive, attentive and committed to doing the job the right way,” Meyer said.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
