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TexasTowelie

(111,292 posts)
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 03:25 AM Dec 2014

Austin Energy employees accused of stealing copper wire

Police said at least three Austin Energy employees are accused of stealing thousands of pounds of copper as part of an alleged metal theft ring, court documents show.

Police have charged 45-year-old Cornel Shoaf and 30-year-old David Lee, both employees of the Austin Energy Reclamation Center, with theft by a public servant after a several months of investigation, the affidavits said.

Police said thousands of pounds of copper — including a type of bare bright copper used in underground electrical wire that is processed at the City of Austin Energy Reclamation Center at 906 Justin Lane in North Austin — were stolen and then recycled for money since 2013, the affidavit said.

Officers said they had been following several people who were recycling large amounts of copper. Police said Shoaf helped James Mercer, who has been charged with theft of metal, steal about 400 pounds of copper wire by letting Mercer inside the reclamation center on Sept. 27, the affidavit said.

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/austin-energy-employees-accused-of-stealing-copper/njTG8/

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