ANACONDA, Mont. — Two Anaconda residents have been charged in connection with the December theft of a historic copper anode that symbolized the city’s long smelting history.
The 400- to 500-pound anode, valued at more than $1,500, had been displayed outside the Anaconda Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on East Park Street. It was discovered missing on Dec. 15 by Chamber manager Ruth Moen. Surveillance cameras in the area were either offline or did not capture the theft.
On Feb. 20, Paul Joseph Rader Jr. and Nikki Louise Lorello were charged with felony theft, felony criminal mischief, felony drug possession and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Investigation and Recovery
Authorities received tips in January from the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department, including information relayed by Ed Lester, that Rader allegedly possessed a large amount of stolen copper.
A probation-related search of the couple’s home near Washoe Park on Jan. 16 uncovered copper pieces and shavings throughout the property, along with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Police later obtained a warrant to expand the search. Inside a garage, officers found copper fragments ranging from thin shreds to pieces weighing up to 60 pounds, including materials stored inside a welded-shut toolbox. Additional copper was discovered in a bedroom and hidden behind bathroom items.
Investigators reported recovering approximately 360 pounds of copper, with pieces resembling the stolen anode. Authorities also seized six bags of suspected methamphetamine, a meth pipe and a meth bong.
Court Proceedings
Both defendants were arrested Jan. 16 and appeared before Justice Court Judge Ken Walund on Jan. 20.
Rader posted a $50,000 bond on Feb. 10.
Lorello posted a $20,000 bond on Jan. 20.
The case remains pending as the community continues to reflect on the loss of a historic symbol tied to Anaconda’s copper-smelting heritage.
