Washington County Deputies arrest man for theft of over $20,000 of material.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reports that on Monday the owner of Pioneer Pipe reported he recently discovered an employee was stealing copper pipes and fittings from the business. According to the owner, the suspect stole two boxes of copper items from the shop on Oct 3rd and sold them at a local scrap yard. 

 Questioned by Lt. Hornbeck, the suspect admitted stealing two boxes of copper items and selling them for $138. Though he initially only claimed he stole a few boxes, The suspect later admitted he has been stealing property from the business for the past year and a half. The suspect said he has fallen on hard times and began by taking two boxes a month but later progressed to taking four boxes per month. 

 A subsequent review of the business’ invoices revealed the total value of the copper pipes, fittings and couplings that the suspect stole were purchased for in excess of $20,000.

Following his arrest for a felony charge of theft, the man appeared in Municipal Court and had his bond set at $5,000.  He remains incarcerated in lieu of bond in the Washington County Jail.