Authorities in Cass County, Virginia, swiftly put a stop to a pair’s alleged attempt to turn copper into gold. On Thursday, deputies responded to a report of copper wiring theft from a rural site in the county. Within hours, they had arrested Stephen M. Spears (55) of Beardstown and Jacob A. Green (32) of Meredosia on felony theft charges.
Spears was charged with theft over $500. He was appointed a public defender during a hearing on Friday and released under the state’s pre-trial detention guidelines. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7. Similarly, Green, who also faces theft over $500 charges, was appointed a public defender and released from jail. His preliminary hearing is also set for April 7.
Copper theft is a common crime due to the metal’s consistent demand and value, with the U.S. Department of Energy estimating $1.5 to $2 billion worth of copper is stolen annually nationwide. Copper was valued at $5.10 per pound as of Monday, making it a prime target for thieves.
However, copper theft can be extremely dangerous. According to safeelectricity.org, the theft often causes significant damage, such as power outages, traffic issues, and even fatalities. The stolen copper can also lead to fires and explosions, which pose serious risks, especially in high winds.
Sheriff Devron Ohrn warned of the serious consequences of copper theft, noting that it not only causes financial damage but also puts lives at risk. Investigations into other copper theft cases in the area are still ongoing.
